Gearbox problems rank among the most expensive car repairs. Whether you’re driving a manual with grinding gears or an automatic that won’t shift properly, repair costs can quickly run into thousands. For many car owners in Surrey, selling makes far more sense than spending big on transmission repairs.
Surrey Car Buyer purchases cars with all types of gearbox problems, manual and automatic alike.
Common Gearbox Problems
Manual Transmission Issues
- Grinding when changing gears
- Difficulty engaging gears
- Gears popping out
- Stiff or notchy gear changes
- Unusual noises in neutral
Automatic Transmission Issues
- Delayed or harsh shifting
- Slipping between gears
- Refusing to engage Drive or Reverse
- Warning lights on dashboard
- Fluid leaks
- Complete transmission failure
Why Gearbox Repairs Are So Expensive
Gearbox repair or replacement is costly for several reasons:
- Labour intensive: Removing and reinstalling a gearbox takes many hours
- Complex components: Modern transmissions are precision-engineered
- Parts costs: Replacement transmissions or rebuild kits are expensive
- Specialist skills: Not every garage can tackle transmission work
Typical costs range from £500-£1,000 for minor manual gearbox repairs, £1,500-£3,000 for full rebuilds, and £2,000-£5,000+ for automatic transmission replacement or reconditioning.
When to Sell vs Repair
Consider selling your car if:
- Repair costs exceed 50% of the car’s value
- Your vehicle is over 8 years old or has high mileage
- Other components are also showing wear
- You’d rather put the money toward a newer, more reliable car
We’ve helped countless Surrey motorists escape expensive repair bills by buying their problem vehicles for fair cash prices.
Other Problems We Buy
Gearbox issues often come alongside clutch problems or engine faults. Whatever combination of issues your car has, we’re interested.
Free Collection Across Surrey
We collect cars from Guildford, Woking, Reigate, Leatherhead, and throughout the county.
Get your free quote today, or contact us to discuss your car.