Rebuilt Transmission - How They Affect the Title
Transmissions are responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels of the car, which makes it an essential part of the car's functioning.
Over time, they can become worn out and start to malfunction. When this happens, many car owners are faced with the option of either replacing or rebuilding the transmission.
What is a Rebuilt Transmission?
A rebuilt transmission is essentially a transmission that has been taken apart, cleaned, and had any worn or damaged parts replaced. Once the transmission has been rebuilt, it is then tested to ensure that it is functioning correctly. The process of rebuilding a transmission can take several days or even several weeks, depending on the extent of the damage and the complexity of the transmission.
When is a Rebuilt Transmission Necessary?
A rebuilt transmission is typically necessary when the transmission is no longer functioning correctly. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including normal wear and tear, overheating, or damage from an accident. In some cases, a transmission may be able to be repaired without being fully rebuilt. However, if the damage is extensive or if the transmission is very old, a rebuild may be the best option.
Rebuilt vs. Reassembled Transmission
It's worth noting that there is a difference between a rebuilt transmission and a reassembled transmission. A reassembled transmission is essentially a transmission that has been taken apart, cleaned, and then put back together with the same parts. This is a quicker and less expensive process than a full rebuild, but it may not address all of the issues with the transmission.
In most cases, a rebuilt transmission is a better option than a reassembled transmission. A rebuilt transmission will have had any worn or damaged parts replaced, which means that it will be less likely to fail in the future.
Does Rebuilding a Transmission Affect a Vehicle Title?
In most cases, just like with the engine, the answer is no. The fact that a car has had a transmission rebuilt does not affect its title or its value, like branding the title as rebuilt or adding any other brand.
However, it's worth noting that some states have specific laws regarding rebuilt titles. If a car has been in an accident and has been deemed a total loss by the insurance company, it may be issued a rebuilt title. This means that the car has been repaired and is now safe to drive, but it may have lower resale value than a car with a clean title.
Do VIN Reports Have Information About Rebuilt Transmissions?
The answer is that it depends on the report. Specifically, CARFAX and Autocheck are likely to include this data as they include maintenance records. NMVTIS based reports are unlikely to have this information. However, the latter category of reports are cheap enough to try and they will have all the critical problem records.
If you're considering buying a used car and you're concerned about the transmission, it's worth having a mechanic inspect the car before you make a purchase. They can give you a better idea of the condition of the transmission and whether or not it's likely to need to be rebuilt in the near future.
