My Experience Buying a Used Transmission from Vander Engines — What Every Driver Should Know Before Making the Switch
If you’ve ever had transmission trouble, you know the sinking feeling that comes with it. One day, your car shifts smoothly; the next, it hesitates, jerks, or refuses to move altogether. Transmission failure is one of the most dreaded issues for any driver — not only because of the repair costs but because it can make or break the life of your vehicle.
A few months after replacing the engine in my 2010 Chevy Camaro, I started noticing signs that the transmission wasn’t as healthy as it once was. Having already gone through the process of buying a used engine from Vander Engines and feeling satisfied with the experience, I decided to return to them — this time for a used transmission.
This blog will walk you through my experience from start to finish, share what I learned along the way, and offer some tips for anyone thinking about buying a used or remanufactured transmission.
When I Knew It Was Time for a Transmission Replacement
After getting my replacement engine installed and running smoothly, I noticed the Camaro wasn’t shifting quite right. The gears felt sluggish, and occasionally there was a hard shift from second to third. At first, I hoped it was a minor issue — maybe low transmission fluid or a simple sensor. Unfortunately, a trip to my mechanic confirmed what I was dreading: internal wear and clutch damage.
The estimate for a rebuild came back at over $3,000, which didn’t make sense for a car that wasn’t a daily driver. So, I revisited the idea that had worked before: finding a used low-mileage transmission instead.
Finding the Right Transmission at Vander Engines
Since my experience with Vander Engines for the replacement engine had gone smoothly, I decided to give them another call. Their website, vanderengines.com, clearly lists both used and rebuilt transmissions, sorted by make, model, and year.
I filled out a quick contact form and followed up with a phone call. Once again, I ended up speaking with Emma, the same salesperson who helped me with my engine purchase. Right away, he remembered me — and that made a big difference.
Emma looked up a few transmission options compatible with my Camaro. Within a few hours, he emailed me details for:
A used 6-speed automatic with around 70,000 miles,
A remanufactured version with warranty coverage, and
A core exchange program (where they refund part of the cost after returning my old transmission).
He explained the pros and cons clearly — no pressure, just facts.
Why I Chose Another Used Unit
Buying used transmissions can be tricky. Unlike engines, transmissions are even more sensitive to how they were treated by previous owners. Abuse, neglect, or lack of maintenance can ruin them. That’s why it’s important to buy from a company that tests and verifies their units before selling.
Kevin confirmed that the used transmission they had in stock had been tested and inspected, with no visible fluid contamination or clutch slip. It came with a 6-month warranty, which was enough for my needs.
After a bit of back-and-forth on shipping and pricing, I decided to go with the used transmission. Once again, I opted for local pickup instead of delivery — a lesson I’d learned from reading reviews about damaged shipments.
A few days later, I made the drive back to Vander Engines’ Illinois location. The staff there was organized and professional. The transmission was ready on a pallet, clearly labeled, and freshly drained. Before signing off, I did a quick visual inspection:
Checked for any visible cracks, leaks, or corrosion
Ensured all electrical connections and sensors were intact
Verified the part number and VIN compatibility
Everything looked as described. The pickup process took less than an hour, and the paperwork was straightforward. Once loaded, I secured the transmission and headed back to my mechanic’s shop.
Installation and First Impressions
Installing a transmission is no small task, even for experienced mechanics. My shop took a full day to remove the old unit, swap over a few compatible components, and install the replacement.
Before completing the install, my mechanic checked the torque converter, flushed the cooler lines, and replaced the fluid and filter. Those small steps are essential to prevent contamination and ensure the new transmission runs properly.
Once everything was connected, we started the car. The initial test drive went better than expected — smooth shifts, no hesitation, and quiet operation. After a few miles, the transmission adapted to the vehicle’s computer and performed flawlessly.
Results After a Few Weeks
After about three weeks of driving, I can confidently say the replacement transmission from Vander Engines has been running well. I’ve put around 800 miles on it so far, with no slipping, leaks, or error codes.
Here’s what stood out to me after the swap:
Shift quality: noticeably smoother than before
Noise: virtually silent, no whining or clunking
Fluid color: stayed clear and red after several hundred miles
Performance: consistent power delivery at all speeds
Of course, I’m keeping up with regular fluid checks and driving gently for the break-in period, but overall, I’m very satisfied.
Lessons Learned from Buying a Used Transmission
Having now bought both an engine and transmission from Vander Engines, I’ve learned a few key lessons that could save others time, stress, and money.
1. Ask for Test Results or Verification
A reputable seller should be able to tell you whether the transmission was tested before removal. Ask for details about fluid condition, clutch wear, and sensor integrity.
2. Confirm Compatibility by VIN
Don’t rely only on model or year — use your vehicle’s VIN to ensure exact compatibility. Transmission variants can differ even within the same model year.
3. Get Warranty Terms in Writing
Never assume warranty coverage. Make sure the paperwork clearly outlines what’s covered (internal components, seals, sensors) and for how long.
4. Inspect Before You Buy or Install
If you can pick up locally, inspect it yourself. If not, ask for detailed photos from multiple angles. Once it’s installed, your return options shrink fast.
5. Flush Everything Before Installation
Even the best used transmission can fail early if old, contaminated fluid remains in the cooler lines. Always flush them before connecting the new unit.
6. Keep Communication Clear
Having a reliable point of contact — like Kevin at Vander Engines — makes the process smoother. Always confirm everything in writing via email.
Final Thoughts on Vander Engines and Used Transmissions
No company in the used parts industry is perfect — issues can happen with shipping, compatibility, or communication. But my experience buying a used transmission from Vander Engines was just as positive as when I bought my engine.
They were transparent, patient, and professional throughout the process. The unit I received was clean, tested, and exactly as described. The fact that I could pick it up myself eliminated a lot of potential headaches.
If you’re considering replacing your transmission — whether you drive a Chevy, Ford, or import — Vander Engines is worth checking out. Just remember: do your homework, confirm your part numbers, and work with a good mechanic.
You can browse their current transmission and engine inventory at https://vanderengines.com.
My Recommendation to Future Buyers
If you’re thinking about buying a used transmission, here’s my honest advice:
Do your research, ask detailed questions, and don’t rush the process.
Work with a knowledgeable salesperson, get the warranty details in writing, and, if possible, pick up your transmission in person. That single step can save you from 90% of potential issues.
The right transmission can give your car a second life — and for me, this purchase did exactly that.
✍️ Author: Scott Prater
🚘 Vehicle: 2010 Chevy Camaro
📅 Date of Experience: Recent Purchase
📍 Location: Vander Engines, Illinois
🌐 Website: https://vanderengines.com
