Transmission just quit. How much to rebuild/replace? $2021 !

[Jazzy]

The transmission for my 2000 SLE just went out suddenly tonight. It was working perfectly before then. Only reverse works right; second gear works some; good mechanic friend drove it and said AT is shot and it can happen suddenly; fluid level OK.)

It has been a great car, now with 155,000 miles. I am in Tarpon Springs, Florida, near Tampa.

I would much appreciate any advice on how to/who to rebuild or replace it and idea of cost.

Thanks,

JJ

[96 SSEi]

hi, if I understand correctly, our cars have electric controlled tranny which has a solenoid for each gear.
if you have 2nd, that one is prob good. - if you can take it to a reputable tranny shop, they can diagnose maybe with a scantool - do you have any codes thrown - is service engine light on?

[redfury]

cost is dependent on who you bring it to and what kind of service warranty they offer for their work/reputation. You can find someone to just rebuild a transmission for around 700 bucks, but the removal and replacement is going to cost you that much or better plus shop supplies. I'd figure on a budget around 1700 and start shopping around for a guy/shop you can trust.

I had a guy off craigslist rebuild a 4L60E along with R&R for about 1400 and he upgraded it to a 4L65E for that price along with a 2 year warranty. Worked out of his garage. Never had a problem with the transmission after that. YMMV.

[Jazzy]

Well, guys,

I first took it to good local mechanic, who wanted $1,600 to install a used tranny (80,000 miles on it), with a 90-day warranty. I just did not like the idea of a used one, as we really like this car and plan to keep it for years. I ended up taking it to the Aamco in downtown Clearwater. They started with a phone quote of $1,000-2,000, then after test-driving it, said $1,500-2,000. After tearing it apart, they called this morning and said it needed a lot of parts, and said its 155,000 miles was their record for this 4T65E tranny, on the way to a total price of $2,021 with a one-year warranty. And another $415 if I wanted the three-year warranty. This shop does a lot of these transmissions for the Pinellas County Sheriff, and I had a good mechanic friend recommend them, so that was that. In hindsight, I could have had a Certified Transmission re-manufactured one installed for $2,300 with a three-year warranty. It will be done tomorrow or Monday.

JJ

[redfury]

Honestly, a 1 year warranty is going to be as good as a 3 year warranty. If you are going to have troubles, it's going to be right away anyways. The only reason to get a 3 year warranty is if you are going to beat the crap out of it. Get a tranny cooler installed as well that has a thermostatic bypass valve so that the temp is regulated properly if you plan to work it hard. Dextron 6 will increase the life of the transmission as well. My Bonny has 180k on it and the transmission developed a slight shudder on the highway...I changed the filter and fluid to Dex 6 and it's back to running smooth as silk.

[robauto]

A trans shop should be able to give you a quote to rebuild the trans and not run the game like your Aamco did. Maybe a 200 increase if it needs something unexpected. I just had a 4t65e rebuilt in NJ for 1700 incl tax. I had a Jasper 3yr, 100k warranty trans in another car for 3000 and at 110k miles it was done, so even thought the Jasper lasted its warranty, it was overpriced and should have lasted longer than 100k miles. I will not use Jasper again. another option is the rock auto rebuilds. They are a decent price, but the installation is usually 700-800 and the installation and rebuilder warranty can have issues. If you get someone to install for less than 500, rock auto is a good option. I like the local reputable rebuild option, but rock auto a strong 2nd. Aamco and some others frequently do what they did to you, quote is a big range, then price keeps going up and then you are stuck.

[Jazzy]

Thanks for your comments. We picked it up yesterday, $2,021 out the door with tax, with a one-year warranty. They said it needed a lot of parts (155,000 miles). A lot of money for a 16-year old car, but we love the looks of it and it is in great shape, so with a new tranny we should be good for another 5 years at least.

But he first mechanic said $1,600 for a used transmission (81,000 miles) and a 90-day warranty, so an extra $400 for a rebuild was worth it. And this Aamco does a lot of these transmissions for the local sheriff, a good recommendation. No, I did not like the price escalations as we went along, but I think this shop will do it right. And they offered 12 month interest free financing I which did help us out right now. Better than car payments on a new car, right?

********

And I am planning on buying another Bonneville today, believe it or not. I have not heard it run yet, but was told it runs well but has a ticking noise, so I am trying to research that today before I buy it this evening. I have been looking t the forums here, but there is so much on it that I don't know where to start learning the basics of what to check for, so if you all have any ideas fast, I'd appreciate it. This car would just be a cheap daily local driver for me (she gets the good Bonneville of course) and I'd like to last at least a year. (I will also post this in another forum.)

Thanks,

JJ

[robauto]

you did very good with the $2000 trans, and even though it is alot for an old car, well worth it, the bonne will go to 300k and more, so you have a lot left, if your body is in good shape, you did the right thing. The buick I just did a trans on for 1700 had 210k miles on it, so it is very common to throw money in a high mileage car, much better than spending big money on a used or new car, even the tax on those can approach what you paid on the trans. On your next bonne,the ticking can be alot of things, obviously be careful of a bad motor. Your best bet is a stethoscope, but you need to have experience of the noises. It can be a lifter, which may be expensive if you cannot do it. If you are not sure what it is or cannot get a mechanic to listen, I would stay away from it, but if the price is right and your worst case is putting a used motor in, for another $2k, you might make out. obviously alot to consider and need alot more info to guide you- yr, mileage, price, condition, info on the noise, etc. good luck