How much does it cost to replace the transmission in a Subaru Forester?
Replacing the transmission in a Subaru Forester can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on various factors. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the typical costs associated with a Subaru Forester transmission replacement.
Factors Affecting Transmission Replacement Cost
The cost to replace a Subaru Forester's transmission can vary significantly based on several key factors:
- Type of Transmission: Subaru Foresters can come equipped with either a manual or automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions are generally more expensive to replace than manual transmissions.
- Labor Costs: The labor required to remove and replace the transmission can be a significant portion of the overall cost. Labor rates can vary depending on the mechanic or repair shop.
- Parts Costs: The cost of the replacement transmission itself, as well as any additional parts needed, such as gaskets, seals, or fluids, can impact the total cost.
- Subaru Model Year: Newer Subaru Forester models may have more advanced or complex transmissions, which can increase the replacement cost.
- Location: The cost of parts and labor can vary depending on the geographic region and the local market conditions.
It's important to note that the cost can also be influenced by the specific condition of the vehicle and any additional repairs that may be required during the transmission replacement process.
Average Transmission Replacement Costs
Based on the factors mentioned above, the typical cost to replace a Subaru Forester transmission can range from around $2,000 to $4,000 or more. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Manual Transmission Replacement: $2,000 to $3,000
- Automatic Transmission Replacement: $3,000 to $4,500
These estimates include the cost of the replacement transmission, as well as the labor required to remove the old transmission and install the new one. Additional costs may be incurred if any other related components, such as the clutch or torque converter, need to be replaced as well.
Factors to Consider
When faced with the need to replace a Subaru Forester's transmission, it's important to consider the following factors:
- Warranty Coverage: Check if the transmission is still covered under the vehicle's warranty, as this could potentially reduce the out-of-pocket cost for the replacement.
- Repair Shop Selection: Choose a reputable and experienced Subaru repair shop to ensure the work is done correctly and to avoid any additional issues down the line.
- Transmission Condition: If the transmission is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be worth considering a replacement rather than attempting to repair it, as the cost of repairs can quickly add up.
By understanding the factors that can influence the cost of a Subaru Forester transmission replacement, you can make an informed decision and budget accordingly for this necessary repair.
Is it worth it to replace a transmission?
Replacing a transmission can be worth it if the vehicle is otherwise in good condition and the repair cost is significantly less than the car's current market value. However, it may not be a worthwhile investment for older, high-mileage vehicles where the cost of the transmission could exceed the car's worth, or if other major components are likely to fail soon.
When to consider replacement
- Your vehicle is relatively new or in good shape: If the rest of the car is in good condition and has a lot of life left, a new transmission can be a sound investment to extend its lifespan.
- Transmission replacement is cheaper than a new car: If the cost of replacing the transmission is less than buying a new or different used vehicle, it can be a more financially practical option.
- To improve fuel efficiency: A failing transmission can cause poor fuel economy, so replacement can help improve gas mileage.
- Newer transmissions come with warranties: A new or factory-rebuilt transmission with a warranty can provide peace of mind and added reliability.
When to reconsider
- The cost exceeds the vehicle's value: If the price of the transmission replacement is close to or more than the car's market value, it is often not a good financial decision.
- The vehicle is old and high-mileage: For older cars with many miles, other major components may be close to needing repair or replacement, making a transmission replacement less practical.
- You can sell the car for a reasonable price: A car with a failed transmission will likely be worth less, but if you can sell it for a few thousand dollars, it might be better to use that money toward a different vehicle.
How to decide
- Get an accurate estimate: Obtain a detailed quote for the transmission replacement, including labor and parts, to understand the exact cost.
- Assess the vehicle's overall condition: Have a mechanic inspect other major components to see if they are in good working order.
- Compare the cost to the car's value: Use resources to determine the car's current market value and compare it to the transmission replacement cost.
- Consider your personal needs: If you love the vehicle and it suits your needs, and the cost is manageable, it may be a worthwhile repair for you even if it doesn't make perfect financial sense.
What years did the Subaru Forester have a bad transmission?
Yes, the Transmissions of Foresters from 2014 - 2018 are known to have problems. Subaru extended the warranty on CVT transmissions to 10 years or 100000 miles.
What is the life expectancy of a Subaru transmission?
I see some with 50k go bad and others well over 200k even with crappy maintenance history. In general you can expect the lifespan to compare to most other transmissions.
How much does it cost to replace a Subaru Forester transmission?
The cost of a new Subaru Forester transmission could be over $3,500 depending on the vehicle, however, transmission services such as fluid changes and a transmission fluid flush are considerably less costly, in some cases costing less than $150.
