When a mechanic says your transmission needs to be replaced, that may be the end of the line for the vehicle. Transmissions are one of the most expensive car repairs, so many opt to get a new car instead.

A Detroit woman was left with a tough decision about her Toyota RAV4 when the transmission blew out. 

In a TikTok with over 639,800 views as of this writing, content creator (@hottuesdays) says she ultimately sold her Toyota RAV4 due to its transmission issues. Then she saw it at her local grocery store in seemingly perfect condition.

“Um wtf, ?!! I sold this car years ago because I was told the transmission was shot. Why is it at my grocery store and with my stickers still on it,” the onscreen text reads. 

The stickers convinced the woman that it was indeed her RAV4. In the caption, she notes that the RAV4 had 280,000 miles on it when it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Transmission?

Dealing with a shot transmission can be one of the most expensive repairs for your vehicle. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) shares that replacing a transmission can cost between $2,900 to $7,100. On average, parts and labor can cost between $6,166 and $6,685, RepairPal reports.

According to KBB, automatic transmission problems can fall into four categories:

1. The vehicle moves slow after putting the car into drive
2. There is no movement when the car is put into drive
3. Any kicking or bucking when driving
4. The vehicle slows down despite pressing down harder on the gas pedal. 

Additionally, driving habits can lead to blown transmissions faster. These habits include neutral coasting, parking without the parking brake engaged, towing more than the drivetrain can handle, and accelerating aggressively before the transmission fluid reaches operating temperature.

Is There A Reasonable Explanation?

Viewers in the comment section wasted no time pointing out the obvious.

“Wait until you hear about mechanics,” one wrote. 

“Wild idea, they fixed the transmission,” another added. 

“I don’t know if you know this, but transmissions are replaceable,” a third commented. 

“You failed to remove your stickers before selling it. It was likely repaired and resold. Mystery solved,” yet another agreed.

Other viewers shared stories of mechanics pulling off the same move. 

“My mechanic replaced my blown engine and gave the car to his nephew. The car would have cost me an arm and a leg to replace the engine but it was a fun project for him and his nephew. I've seen him driving it around,” one said.

Another wrote, “My mechanic buys cars with issues like this and fixes them for resale.”

“My dad would go to the junkyard and find a certain car with a perfect body, but a blown engine and the same car with a great engine, but body damage would buy them both and Frankenstein one well working car,” someone else said.

“I sold my truck to the scrap yard because I needed money to get a new vehicle and couldn't fix it. Broke my heart. Saw it driving through town a year later,” one wrote.

Gallery: 2026 Toyota RAV4 teaser

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Source: Toyota

Why Was The Woman Surprised To See The RAV4?

In a follow-up post, she addresses the mean commenters and clarifies why she was surprised. 

She says she sold the Toyota RAV4 on Facebook Marketplace. The buyer mentioned they were from Haiti and intended to ship the car there, where they would repair and resell it. She also noted that they lived 30 to 45 minutes away from her.

“So you can imagine I had some questions when I saw my vehicle in my part of town,” she adds. 

She mentioned that she sold the car two years ago because she was living paycheck to paycheck and did not have the money to replace the transmission. She bought the 2004 RAV4 with 180,000 miles for $5,000 and sold it for $2,000.

“The reason why I made that post is because I was just surprised that the car had my stickers on it. By stickers I mean my [expletive] store sticker, my cat anime sticker, and my Italian sticker. Like why are those still there and then also why is this in my neighborhood” she concludes.  

Motor1 has contacted @hottuesdays via TikTok direct message and commented on the post. This post will be updated if she replies.