Automatic transmission replacement costs

[MarkM66]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: MarkM66
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
My 1995 Ford Escort still has it's original automatic transmission in it at 218K miles (I bought the car new). IMO, people seem to opt for a rebuild when all it needs is a fix. Automatic transmission are supposed to last a long time like mine has so far.


Most of the time there are no quick fixes, and the trans has to be removed from the car. If you're going to pay for all that labor, might as well go all the way.


If you believe the lies told to you by the transmission shop, then yes. Otherwise I have documented my two transmission repairs here:
TSB upgrade:
http://www.feoa.net/threads/atratb039-02-01-1991-a-t-g4a-el-4eat-low-pump-pressure.61690/
Solenoid replacement:
http://www.feoa.net/threads/how-to-replace-1-2-shift-solenoid-on-atx-1991.82837/

I am reasonably sure that most people here could do both of those repairs.



Those types of problems are more rare then not. Good for you for having them, most don't get that lucky.

And any transmission shop worth a darn could of easily diagnosed those issues.

 

[wander2039]

Originally Posted By: itguy08
I'm a proponent of 30k fluid change no matter what the transmission. It's been working for the wife with the much aligned CD4E in her Escape - still going strong at 142k. (IMHO the CD4E was bad in the early versions but of you keep up with maintenance you will be fine.)

Not sire if driving styles have much to do with it on a modern transmission. Most (if not all) new cars have a great deal of torque management during shifts (cutting timing, throttle, etc) to reduce wear on the tranny.

Why did he go new vs having a shop rebuild it? I would think a rebuild would be a lot cheaper than $4k. $4k on an 11 year old car makes me start thinking "part it out" or trade it in.


Works for ours as well. Pulled many a trailer even heavier than should of been. Shifts perfect at 132k.

Unless it's bad from the factory the only thing that kills auto's is the lack of maintenance. Some need more than others. The 05 Chevy is good example.. if wouldn't of recently changed the fluid and filter it would be dead within 10k. The 480LE leaking out of front and rear seals due to the lack of use or over heating not sure which. Shifts ok with no delays but still leaks.. time will tell.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: MarkM66
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: MarkM66
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
My 1995 Ford Escort still has it's original automatic transmission in it at 218K miles (I bought the car new). IMO, people seem to opt for a rebuild when all it needs is a fix. Automatic transmission are supposed to last a long time like mine has so far.


Most of the time there are no quick fixes, and the trans has to be removed from the car. If you're going to pay for all that labor, might as well go all the way.


If you believe the lies told to you by the transmission shop, then yes. Otherwise I have documented my two transmission repairs here:
TSB upgrade:
http://www.feoa.net/threads/atratb039-02-01-1991-a-t-g4a-el-4eat-low-pump-pressure.61690/
Solenoid replacement:
http://www.feoa.net/threads/how-to-replace-1-2-shift-solenoid-on-atx-1991.82837/

I am reasonably sure that most people here could do both of those repairs.



Those types of problems are more rare then not. Good for you for having them, most don't get that lucky.

And any transmission shop worth a darn could of easily diagnosed those issues.


They would have only offered a rebuild. Not enough money in doing repairs. Transmission shops are about as honest as realtors and politicians.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx

Transmission shops are about as honest as realtors and politicians.


And car salesmen.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: itguy08
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8

Exactly the strategy followed by almost every DBW car with a slushbox today.


I think more recent ones without DBW will also pull timing during the shift as well. Either way I wouldn't worry about it at all. Change your fluid every 30k and drive 'em!

Yes, they would pull timing on some GM units even before DBW was implemented.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Just a note. ANYONE can easily find a great trans shop, there's at least one in almost any region.

Look for the one with a TON of cars around it. They probably have a waiting list as well.

Our local hot shot rebuilder gives a lifetime warranty and the only caveat is a yearly inspection!! He's also very reasonable...

 

[Quattro Pete]

Just to add another statistic, the dealer cost for a new 7-speed trans (parts+labor) for our C300 is approximately $8,000. And while I'm no fan of stealerships, I'm not sure I'd trust an indy shop with this job either. Thankfully the extended warranty paid for it in our case.