98 Pathfinder- too old to fix?

[hutchscout]

I'm curious to know what others might do in my situation. I have a 98 Pathfinder SE with 291,000 miles. I bought it new, and maintained it very well. The engine runs great, and when I recently redid the entire suspension it felt as tight and smooth as new. I hoped to get another year or so out of it, till facing buying a new car.

I just lost my transmission, and my mechanic says putting in a used one will cost about $2500. I'm not sure what to do. One the one hand, it's hard to justify putting so much money into a car with such high mileage. On the hand, I recently put a lot of money into the suspension, the engine doesn't burn oil, and I can't afford a new car right now.

Would this be throwing good money after bad, or a reasonable gamble given that the car was running great (till the transmission went?) Can a 98 Pathfinder engine go to 300K, and beyond?

Thanks for your input.

[SPICOLI]

Welcome to the forums.

I think you should get another quote for a rebuilt transmission. You should be able to find one cheaper. That engine/car should be able to last for at least another 60k.

If you can't afford a new car then you gotta work with what you have. Do a little more research into a rebuilt or maybe used tranny.

Good Luck

[pawjr74]

You can check on www.car-part.com for a used tranny in your area.

[fleurys]

You did not say if it was an auto or manual trans, so I put both links :

http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog ... l_kit.html

http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog ... l_kit.html

A transmission is never completely dead. What I mean is that it could be a 50Cents parts that failed (I've seen it) that makes your trans fail.

These guys (links) sells complete overhaul kits to bring back to life any trans. They give the instruction also. Your pathy is well worth it. The engine (3.3) has been recongnized as a very durable engine.

If you are not enclined mechanically to go with this overhaul, then I would probably ask a transmission shop how they would charge me to do it for me giving that I have the parts. This way you save $$ on the profit they would do with the parts... It's always better to rebuild your own trans that having one from the yard or other truck. You never know how they were treated. And given that for a couple of 100$ you would have a like new trans... Add this to your like new suspension and you won't want to sell you truck when times comes for a new car... but if you do, this like new trans will help you with your selling arguments.

[hutchscout]

It's an automatic transmission, 4x4. I can buy a used transmission with 80K and a transfer case for $850, and can get that installed for about $800. Or I can go the rebuilt route for approximately $2500. With 291,000 miles, I'd be happy to get a year out of it. Have to decide between used and rebuilt.

[pawjr74]

The used tranny/transfer case with 80k sounds like a good price to me. That's the route I would go. Some Used parts recyclers will even give a warranty on their parts.

[hutchscout]

He'll give me a 6 month warranty.

[fleurys]

The used tranny/transfer case with 80k sounds like a good price to me. That's the route I would go. Some Used parts recyclers will even give a warranty on their parts.

X2 on this too if you`re only looking for 1 year of usage...

[SPICOLI]

I'm voting for the used tranny. See if you can negotiate a installed price with the mechanic. Make him an offer-see if he'll do it for $1500 all in.
It's definitely worth a try.

[hutchscout]

Nice idea, but I actually would buy the used transmission directly from an auto salvage yard. The mechanic is not getting a mark-up.

[mar1]

You can check on www.car-part.com for a used tranny in your area.

where i come from, a used tranny refers to something completely different.

[SPICOLI]

...LOL...THAT'S SOME FUNNY S**T.

[pawjr74]

You can check on www.car-part.com for a used tranny in your area.

where i come from, a used tranny refers to something completely different.

Don't be afraid to post some reference photos! Lol

[Islandpath]

I can get a rebuilt tranny and install for 1900 OTD. That alot for a used tranny...