If your automatic transmission is hiccuping a bit, you may just need to have your transmission serviced. Transmission service is worlds apart from having your transmission rebuilt or replaced in terms of prices. Service for transmissions consists mostly of checking the level and quality of your transmission fluid. It may also involve the replacement of your fluid, replacing a filter or repairing a small leak. You can expect to pay between $100 to $200 for such routine maintenance and a transmission specialty shop is not required.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing to have your transmission rebuilt or replaced you could be looking at a transmission repair cost of anywhere from several hundred to well over a thousand dollars. Your best bet is to take your car in for transmission service at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer and get at least two but preferably three estimates if you are told there are problems that need more extensive work. With three estimates, you have more of a solid basis for comparison. Beware if one of the estimates is out of line with the others either on the high side or the low side.

If you have reason to believe that your transmission is faulty, what about taking your car in to one of those transmission repair specialty shops you have probably seen advertising very low prices? You should be cautious of such offers as these ads are often a ploy to get you to bring your car in so you can be sold expensive repairs you might not really need. If you are responding to such an ad, before any work is done, find out exactly what is and is not included in the advertised price.

If you are told your transmission needs major repair work, do not let them disassemble or take your transmission apart. Once a teardown is done on your transmission, you are at their mercy. Reputable, experienced transmission can usually determine the problem and provide an estimate without completely taking your transmission apart. If you authorize a teardown, you will have to pay for the labor costs involved with taking your transmission apart and putting it back together whether you decide to have it repaired or not.

Having your transmission rebuilt is a less expensive alternative to having your transmission totally replaced. There is nothing wrong with a rebuilt transmission, but only if you absolutely need one. Make sure you get multiple estimates. Watch out if one is significantly lower than the others as you may be getting scammed.

The transmission repair cost will vary widely based on factors such as the make and age of your car, where you have the repairs done and the extent of the problem. You may get off cheap or you might be in for a big bill. Have your transmission serviced regularly and if more extensive repairs are needed get more than one estimate.