2004 Tacoma transmission

Hey everyone. I'm new here.
I've been driving a 2004 Tacoma (TRD, Limited) since I bought it new in late 2004. The truck has been good to me. I have 286,000* miles on it. It has never broken down, never left me stuck or stranded.
*had a burnt/leaking valve around 210,000 miles, so I had Toyota replace the engine and gas tank (it was rotted) when they replaced the frame a few years ago.

So, on to my question.
The truck has its original transmission...268,000 miles and the transmission has not required any repair. I've thought about buying a new Tacoma or possibly a Tundra, but I really don't want to spent that much or have a car payment. I'd like to be prepared for the day when the transmission fails. Do any of you know of a place that sells new replacement transmission of reputable place that remanufactures transmission. I'm located in Massachusetts.

thanks.

 

This an auto trans or manual?

If it's not acting funny and still operating normally I wouldn't worry about it failing, make sure you keep up with the standard maintenance on it and it should last awhile longer

 

ya, that might be an important detail: it is an automatic transmission...my first auto. I've always drive sticks.

 

The autos on 1st gens do seem to have more issues once they hit the 300k+ mile range, but a lot of the times I read about those issues the transmission hasn't been serviced regularly. Still see plenty of them on the road with that mileage and in good shape, it really just comes down to maintenance and how it's been treated. But if it's not giving you any issues (hard/delayed shifts etc.) then I wouldn't worry about it breaking down on you anytime soon.

 

I do notice a delay in shifting out of 1st gear when I drive it for the first time each day. I interpret that as, the beginning of bigger problems.

 

And with the auto it's pretty important not to do any kind of major fluid flush if it hasn't been serviced regularly. This may cause major issues.
Just drain & refill. An option if you're so inclined is to pull the tranny pan & clean or replace the filter and clean the pan magnets.

 

I'd suggest adding a transmission cooler.
Even if you never tow anything. It'll help the trans run cooler & extend life.