transmission issue - sell after fixing?

Hi all! I could use some advice on my 2002 Tacoma, which is supercharged (though I wish it wasn't).

My tacoma only has a little over 122k on it, since owning it the last 3 years I've replaced the alternator, timing belt, water pump and have kept up on oil changes and fluid levels. It started leaking oil this summer and I had head gasket and crankshaft seals replaced. I live in Fairbanks so I've also had to spend $1k to winterize it. With the timing belt, oil leaks, and winterizing - I've put about $5k into the truck in the last 6 months.

Now this week, my transmission blew. Its estimated to be about $3.7k repair and the only transmissions in Alaska to replace it with have over 200k miles on them.

I know I have to fix it in order to get a good deal on it if I sell it. I'm debating once it is fixed though if I should go ahead and sell it. I've really tried to make it last for me and I'm just bummed with all the money I've put into it the last few months. I'm not sure what my next best move is or how much I could sell it for. Everything here is above market value so any advice is appreciated! Everything is more expensive and harder to fix here with limited options on buying different vehicles, so I'm also curious what other used cars would be reliable for me.

 

Personally, I would try to hang on to it with that large of an investment into it. There is no guarantee that the next vehicle you get would be in batter condition. You kinda know where you are with the current vehicle, getting another used vehicle is opening the door to the unknown again.

122k on a Tacoma is just getting broken in.

 

You might post up in the Alaska section, someone there might know a better place to get a transmission.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/alaska.118/

 

You could always sell the supercharger to help pay for a transmission rebuild. That would also take a lot of stress off the engine and the truck overall. The only down side, is that then it would just be another stock Tacoma. Good luck with your decision, but I agree with above post. Selling this one to buy another used vehicle is iffy, unless the new vehicle has outstanding service records.

 

I’d have the transmission rebuilt - just make sure there is a warranty included with it.

Like others said, if you sell and buy a different vehicle you don’t know what you’re getting into.

the truck won’t depreciate much over the next several years unless the frame or body is rusting away, so in the long term it will probably still save you money over another vehicle that needs work.

 

Thanks for all the advice, and also for the Alaska page - didn't know that existed!

I was also thinking of taking the supercharger out - the garage I have the truck at now said they don't do that work. I was wondering if it would be as much work as rebuilding the engine - I'll have to look into this option. I know someone else out there would really appreciate it being supercharge but its more power than I need and not worth the wear on the engine to me.

 

Removing the supercharger is not difficult unless you don't have the original stock intake manifold. If you have that, then it's a viable option, if not, keep the SC and keep off the skinny pedal in the snow and ice.

 

I'd generally agree with this statement but I've had plenty of Chevys (and a few Dodges) that made it to 122k without needing headgaskets and transmissions.
Maybe this particular truck had a tough prior life?

 

FYI - a quick search of www.car-part.com comes up with these. Since you didn't specify engine size/trans I searched for a 4WD AT, 6cyl.
Can also use a trans out of a 4Runner. When I did a swap from 2 to 4WD, I put in a trans out of a 1999 4Runner. Give car-part a check. I'm sure you'll find something. Removing and replacing the transmission is completely possible for the home DIY mechanic. I did it in my garage, by myself with no real previous experience. It will take some time to do but it can be done.