I’m at a crossroads and trying to decide if I should replace my transmission or get a new car.
I had to get towed to the Ford service center in my area (car would rev but wouldn’t move) and was told I needed a transmission rebuild. Ford can do it for 4K. My car is a 2011 Fiesta SE hatchback, 134K miles, paid off. It also needs a new catalytic converter according to Ford (based off check engine light diag), which is another 2K. While that isn’t nearly as urgent as the transmission rebuild, it’s still something that needs fixed eventually. I love the car and it’s gotten me through some crazy times in my life. Before these two issues I only ever needed basic, routine maintenace between 2019 (when I bought it) and 2024.
Should I put 4K into the car to fix the transmission? I have two main concerns. First, I know that the fiestas have a history of transmission issues. My sister has a 2012 Fiesta SES hatchback and had a less extensive rebuild done on hers a year ago. Her car has been ok since (knock on wood) but it’s also a year newer and less miles at 125K. My other concern is that I’m way too emotionally attached to this vehicle to make a sound decision. Paying 4-6K toward this car sounds crazy, but is it? I guess I don’t know a whole lot about transmissions and how effective rebuilding them can be. If a rebuild could guarantee me another 100K miles with no issues, I’d do it in a heartbeat, but unfortunately it doesn’t work like that. For what it’s worth, the Ford tech told me that there’s a two-year warranty on the parts and labor for this repair.
These types of decisions are tough, so I appreciate any feedback you can provide. It means a lot!
I have a 2013 Ford Fiesta Sedan with around 172k miles. At about 135k miles, my transmission went out — RPMs would jump, the car didn’t want to start, and I could only go about 35 mph. So, I ended up buying a used transmission from a salvage yard for around $1,300, plus another $100-200 for transmission fluid. Labor was traded for services instead of money.
If you go the route I did, getting a used transmission will be much cheaper than going to Ford, but it might fail again sooner.
To be honest, a 2011 Ford Fiesta with 134,000 miles isn’t worth $6k — it’s closer to $4k at most. In situations like this, it’s not a good idea to put more into repairs than the car is worth. I’d recommend looking for a new vehicle and either trading in or selling the Fiesta unless you really want to keep it and put in a new transmission when you have the money.
I just bought a 2014 Mazda 6 with 115k miles for $10k. So for $5k more than that transmission, you get a working car. You can even find cheaper options! My budget allowed for something a little higher, and I don’t foresee this Mazda breaking down anytime soon.
You’re very welcome! I’m glad it helped. It sounds like you have a solid plan in place with the loan offer, and using that $4k for a down payment or keeping it in savings is a smart move. It’s tough to let go of a paid-off car, but as you said, the numbers don’t add up when you consider the value of the car and the cost of repairs. It’s definitely a step toward a more reliable and long-term solution. Best of luck with the new car!
You’re not alone! I don’t have the transmission issue, but I’m also driving a 2011 Fiesta with 148k miles that I just can’t seem to let go of. The best thing I did was get a second opinion on the repairs—preferably from a small, local mechanic who can see the bigger picture. I even posted in a neighborhood Facebook group for mechanic recommendations. Not only did I find a great mom-and-pop shop, but I also had plenty of neighbors offering to buy the car when I’m ready to part with it.
Also, don’t feel bad about spending $4-$6k on repairs if that’s the route you decide to take. Even if it exceeds the value of the car, your overall transportation costs for the next year or two will likely be less than a car payment. Just make sure the repairs you make are all you need to keep driving it safely for the foreseeable future.
I know a lot of people have issues with the Fiesta’s automatic transmission, and in that case, I’d say it might be time for a new car.
However, I had a problem with my manual transmission last summer where the garage told me I needed a new one, but the car still seemed fine. I didn’t go ahead with the replacement, and luckily, it turned out fine (knock on wood). It ended up being just the reverse switch that broke, which caused a small metal ball (kind of like a marble) to get loose into the transmission. The car was shaking like crazy, but then it stopped, and I actually drove it to the garage. Either the ball found its own way out or stuck to a magnetic lid in the bottom of the transmission.
No worries, I totally get it now! The automatic DCT transmission in the Fiesta has definitely been a trouble spot for many people, and it sounds like you’ve had your fair share of the awkward shifting. It’s great that the car still served you well despite the transmission issues.
I agree that a new car probably makes the most sense at this point, but it’s awesome that you have such good memories with the Fiesta. It’s always nice to have a car that’s been reliable in other ways, even if the transmission wasn’t up to par.
Thank you for sharing your experience, and best of luck with your decision! If you ever need more advice or help, feel free to reach out!