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10 Tips for a Used VW Transaxle

Buying used parts is a great way to save money on do-it-yourself car maintenance. They are much cheaper than new parts and can be found in abundance. A good condition used part, like a VW transaxle, can last nearly as long as a new part if used and installed correctly. There are still some things to keep in mind when choosing second-hand items.

Know Your Part

There are lots of different VW models and years, so make sure that you know the specific transaxle you need. Check any documentation that came with your vehicle to get the necessary part information so you can pinpoint the exact part that you need to get.

Look Online

Look online for various ways to get your part. Check auction sites and car enthusiast forums for more information on how to get to your needed part.

Local Solutions

Search locally. Check newspapers and local publications for people selling parts. Shops like Pick-n-Pull exist all across America and specialize in used auto parts. Plus, they require you to remove the part from their original cars and save even more money.

Shop Around

Whether you are looking locally or online, dont stop when youve found a transaxle. Look at other options to ensure that you are getting the best possible price.

Check for Damage

Visually inspect the part for any damage. Check for cracks or dings, as these can impair the effectiveness of the transaxle and shorten its lifespan.

Get Info from the Seller

Ask the person or company selling you the part for information on the history of the transaxle. Ask about how many miles have been put on it and when it was installed. Try to find a part with as little mileage as possible.

Check for Counterfeit Parts

There is a market out there for counterfeit vehicle parts. Make sure that the part you are buying is legitimate. If you are buying online, ask for photos of the parts, including any labels or writing on the transaxle. If youre buying in person, look it over. An easy way to detect a fraudulent part is to look for any typos in any text, logos, packaging or on the part itself.

Warranty

Always be sure to ask the seller if the part comes with a warranty. These arent just limited to new parts. The warranty probably wont be as robust as it would be on a new part, but youll be glad you have it if it comes time to use it.

Installation Procedure

Make sure you know how to install the part before attempting it yourself. Investing in the service manual for your car is a good idea. It will include visual instructions for how to install the transaxle, as well as answer any questions you have about removing the original one.

Ask for Help

Ask someone with experience in car maintenance for tips on how to properly install the transaxle into your VW. It is better to get help before the situation turns serious and the part or your vehicle sustains damage.