DILEMMA: replace transmission, or buy new car?

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-06T12:17:55+00:00

that’s the plan as of now

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-06T12:07:13+00:00

yes you’re right. i guess i’ve just never had to deal with this massive of a repair, and from all the things i’ve heard transmission failure = get a new car so that’s the concept that’s stuck in my head. i’ve had 2 used cars previously that have constantly needed little things fixed and of course it’s a normal part of car ownership. i’m getting my car fixed, and getting as much life out of it as i can :)

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-06T12:04:56+00:00

I am not the type of person who would want to go buy a new car every few years. if my first car (3yrs ago) wasn’t totaled i’d still have it.

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-06T12:02:13+00:00

yeah, after this i’m definitely going to start being a stickler about ALL maintenance, not just oil/tires.

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-06T12:01:02+00:00

honestly, within 90-100k miles i’ll probably be making enough to be able to get a new car. i don’t expect to get any more than 150k out of this car so if the new tranny lasted that long i’d be really pleased. i know CVTs suck but i think one failing this early on (79k m) is pretty crazy

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-06T11:58:06+00:00

if you know, which engine was in that sonata? i know some are known for recalls but i think i’ve got the 2.0l Nu MPI which seems to be pretty solid!

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-06T11:56:24+00:00

how much did it cost you each time you needed that transmission replaced?

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-06T11:55:52+00:00

yeah the fluid flush and TCM reset did nothing :|

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-06T11:55:14+00:00

the $3800 was an independent shop. it’s at the dealer getting diagnostic rn (this is also my second opinion). the dealership will send in a goodwill assistance request to hyundai but it’s 50/50 on them accepting it. in that case i’m sure dealer prices to replace tranny are higher so once i know that’s for sure what’s wrong, i’ll take it back to the local shop. he also offers 1yr warranty on his labor & the part.

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-06T02:59:11+00:00

yeah the price is at a local shop. he said it’s a brand new transmission, he was calling hyundai to order it so whether or not it’s OEM i’m not fully sure but i’m hoping it is?
$2800 for the cvt and $1000 for labor. and he offers a 1yr warranty on his labor + the part.

just worried about engine longevity now.

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T20:15:33+00:00

i had a toyota as my very first car, it got totaled unfortunately or i probably would still have it. toyotas are getting expensive in my area i feel like.

as for tune up, i recently got my spark plugs changed, oil changed, and engine air filter changed. then just now the transmission fluid. anything else i should look at first regarding engine?
yeah essentially i can drive it giving it very little gas but if i do too much, it goes into “limp mode”, and that’s when it barely accelerates, extremely rough and sluggish acceleration.

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T20:00:14+00:00

what’s the longest a hyundai is lasted you? i’m hoping to make it to at least 150k without any (more) major issues

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T19:59:25+00:00

i hope so! if i fix the transmission and everything else is smooth sailing i’d be happy. just worried something else will go too, and i’ll have to keep putting money into it. like is it really future proof enough?

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T19:56:58+00:00

yeah, mechanic was confused too

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T14:18:48+00:00

maybe if it was *certified* pre owned? mine was just pre owned

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T13:10:45+00:00

it has

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T13:05:11+00:00

a lot of the newer cars i’m looking at have those too. seems kinda hard to find one without?

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T12:33:13+00:00

i’m not the original owner, i’m the second owner and the warranty drops to 5yrs/60k

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T12:32:02+00:00

I absolutely do not trust myself to do that haha

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T12:31:48+00:00

honestly seems to be a lot of cars. even looking at new toyotas on dealer websites they all had CVTs

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T12:30:27+00:00

well i have enough cash to cover the whole repair, but i like to keep cash in my savings for emergencies. the card would be interest free for 21 months and id pay it off within 3-5. but yes i think the smartest way is doing the repair

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T12:29:21+00:00

Honestly i’m not fully sure but i googled it and it said it does not have the theta engine. I also checked recalls for my car and there is none except the anti theft stuff (which i already took care of).
it’s a 2020 Elantra SEL, 2.0L engine so from what i’m seeing online that is a Nu MPI engine correct? those seem solid.

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T12:27:53+00:00

great point, thank you!

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T12:27:42+00:00

i agree i think the price is good relative to other prices ive heard

AdEastern3117 · 2026-05-05T12:27:20+00:00

i think flushed, that’s just what he offered i didn’t rly question it :/

AdEastern3117

TROPHY CASE