Is it worth replacing the transmission (2015 Hybrid SE, 137k miles)

[shiuraz]

Hi, hope to get some advice.

 

I have a 2015 Fusion Hybrid SE with 137k miles. I've had it since new, no major problems, it's been regularly serviced. Long story short, I need a new transmission, it will cost $6.6k (includes tax/charges) from the dealer. I might be able to get $8/$9k as is if sold to a place like Carmax and they didn't find out about the transmission problem.

I like my car a lot, it has all the features I want and like and I really don't like the idea of dumping $20k into a secondhand car on which I don't know the driving history. Finally the idea of selling the car makes me so sad.

 

Is it a bad decision to go ahead with the transmission replacement? I'm hoping the fix would get me another 60k miles (hopefully without any major parts failing along the way). Is this unrealistic? From a pure value of the car perspective it seems silly to put $6.6k into a car potentially worth only $8-$9k (without considering that replacing the car would require a higher car payment, unknown other issues etc).

Thanks for any thoughts you can share or if I'm missing something.

 

Longer background:

 

Recently a humming sound started at 40mph. Took it to a local mechanic, he said it wasn't the wheel bearing, sound was coming from the transmission. Took it to the dealer who did diagnostics. Said there there was metal in the transmission fluid, the fluid was burnt...need a new transmission.

I've been quoted $6.6k (inc tax) to get it replaced with a reconditioned transmission, 3 years unlimited mileage warranty by the dealer. I haven't finished calling around for non dealer quotes but the 2 mechanics I called won't replace a hybrid transmission (difficult, not worth their time).

Looking online, seems like I would get between $8/9k if sold as is to a place like Carmax. Maybe $11k max if sold privately (though I'd have to get the transmission fixed first).

[kuzzi]

I replaced my 2013 transmission that had the known bearing issue from the 2013-2015 models around the same mileage point (140,000) in 2020.

 

I sourced a low mileage 2016+ transmission from a C-Max or Fusion Hybrid (NOT Energi) and had a shop replace it, with my assistance. Cost around $3000 total. I have 190,000 miles on mine now, value of my car is likely closer to $4000 now.

 

I don’t treat mine as well as others but it gets all the required maintenance and doesn’t show signs of stopping. Fuel mileage is suffering due to battery age but it’s still over 37mpg (10-15% loss) and even then the engine is pretty efficient on its own compared to late model sedans. Backup camera has died. Trim is starting to show its age.

 

If you plan on driving it until it stops working then even a $7000 bill seems more reasonable than a newer vehicle and you can get a good amount more years out of it.