Used Car Buying - Transmissions

Inspecting a standard transmission when buying a used car

One of the more expensive items to replace on a car is the transmission so it is important to buy a car that does not have transmission problems. Our mechanic advises that standard transmissions are very common on small and economy cars as automatic transmissions are considered an upgrade. Since the point of an economy car is to be cost effective many of them will have the less expensive standard transmission over the automatic.





A standard transmission condition will be most evident during a test drive as transmission problems are often not subtle. Additionally the clutch assembly condition is important as this is an item that will wear out and require replacement over time. Since a standard transmission problem is usually apparent when driving the car, asking the current owner about the condition of the clutch and transmission will be beneficial. It is hard to hide a transmission or clutch problem so most sellers will be open about that question.

Test driving a used car with a standard transmission

Be sure to try all gears including reverse on the test drive. Each gear should go in smoothly and quietly without and grinding and should remain in gear at all times. A transmission which grinds when you change gears may have synchro problems and a transmission which pops out of gear shows signs of wear. Also each gear should run without any grinding or whining with the exception of reverse which has a slight whine to it under normal circumstances. The clutch should be strong and smooth and not chattery or jerky when in use.





A clutch that is worn will slip when you start in first gear allowing you to rev the engine without the car responding to the increased call for throttle. If you put a car in first gear with the brake firmly pressed and slowly let off the clutch, the car should stall. If you are able to take your foot off the clutch completely without stalling the car and without the car moving this is a sign that the clutch is worn and will require replacing.


Proceed to the next section which covers inspecting automatic transmissions