Are there any precautions to take when buying a used manual tranny?

[CourneyRoss]

First off I want to know generally how long a honda manual tranny will last. That will determine which route im going to take.

Ive been shopping for a low km civic 4DR manualy tranny. I have come across an 05 with only 86,000km on it, the guy wants $800 but i will be bargaining with him tommorow. Whats a fair price i should offer without overpaying?

The other i came across is an 01 but with 172,000km but only $300. Would you avoid this one even if you rebuilt it?

1) Ive been told by a mech that its always recommended to have it rebuilt right after buying, is that true or is he just trying to get my money? I called the trans. specialist shop in the south (recommended by a friend of mine) and they said if I bring the tranny to them they can open it up and inspect the insides for no cost. But if I want them to rebuild it and put all new gears and stuff in, its $800-$1000+ cost of parts.

Now the thing is, how common is this 3rd gear popping out issue on hondas? And is that a shifter or tranny issue? Cause I dont wanna pick up a used tranny, pay labour to install it, then find out the gears are popping out or grinding, then have to pay to take it back out, then to the shop.

2) If any gears are grinding or popping out, are you able to see it by having the tranny opened up? Or does it have to be in the car and running to see stuff like this?

[RickDaTuner]

one of the simplest things to do is check fluid condition, check to see if it has been dismantled, and if you can pull the drain plug,as they usually have a magnet built in, check for large chunks of metal there. Some small shaving are normal as all transmissions wear match to the drive surfaces.

800 for a used transmission on a civic sounds a little steep man.

check car-part.com for parts across north america

[nobb]

It's hard to check fluid on a manual because youll have to crawl underneath to get at it (there's no dipstick). Looking at the fluid is a good way to check, but also keep in mind that the guy could have changed the fluid to cover up any problems.

[Maxx Mazda]

Generally, a used manual tranny will set you back no more than $450.

Try that guy down by pick a part, he has warehouses full of just trannys.

[Sentry]

Open the case, make sure the input shaft bearing hasn't disintegrated, make sure the countershaft bearing hasn't walked out of its bore. Bench shift it with a punch or a screwdriver and make sure it positively engages all gears, including reverse.

Also you are WAY THE FUCK OVERPAYING. Do not give that man a cent.

Last used tranny I picked up was $45, just needed a $20 input shaft bearing.

From picknpull they are around $140 with a core.

[78si]

Did you call JDM Source yet? They might have one. 403-717-4252