Yes. Junk car buyers purchase vehicles without transmissions. The engine, catalytic converter, body parts, and scrap metal still have value. A missing transmission reduces offers, but not as dramatically as a missing engine since transmissions are worth less than motors.
Value remaining in a car without a transmission:
- Engine: $200 to $1,000+ if running or rebuildable
- Catalytic converter: $100 to $400+
- Body panels and parts: $100 to $500 total
- Interior: $50 to $200
- Scrap metal: $100 to $200
Why transmissions get removed:
- Sold separately for higher individual value
- Swapped into another vehicle
- Removed during a failed repair attempt
- Shop kept it for core or resale
A missing transmission typically reduces total vehicle value by $150 to $500, depending on what the transmission would have been worth. Automatic transmissions have higher resale value than manuals, so their absence costs more.
Disclose the missing transmission when getting quotes. Buyers need accurate information to price your vehicle correctly. Hiding missing components wastes everyone’s time and damages trust.
If you’re considering removing the transmission to sell separately, calculate whether it’s worth the effort. Selling the whole car to a junk car buyer who factors in all components might net similar money with less work.
