How much should it cost to fix auto transmission on a car?

[AzNKiD]

I was just on the road and notice my rpm was going almost to red zone before gear changes. Few minutes later, my check engine light came on. Afterwards, my car was stuck on neutral gear and refuse to go anywhere. Reversed worked fine, but not any other gear. I restarted the car, and it worked for a few minutes, but then it was stuck on first gear and couldnt go any faster then 20mph.
I took the car to the nearest mom and pop shop, he quoted itll cost around 800 to fix it with used parts, or over 1,000 to rebuild the whole thing. Does this sound reasonable? I call some other places like aamco, but they refuse to give me estmate, and that i have bring my car to them. The problem is my car doesnt work, it wont get into any gears anymore. So should i stick with the mom and pop shop for the prices mention, or should i shop around more? And also, if i fix this issue, would it be good for a long period or is it a sign that the car is about to go? In another word, is this a common fix that will prevent it from happening agian in the near future. I drive '96 accord, v4, and the guy siad it was common problem with my car. Thanks for any advice.


Clifs: car transmission fuxor, and mechanics wants to charge me almost a grand to fix, worth it or typical price?

 

[alm4rr]

whats the value of your car vs the value of the repair vs the value to you for the car repaired

 

[squirrel dog]

A grand is about right. Did you check the fluid level ? Get three ests. , then call the bbb before you get it repaired .

 

[JasonK]

Hrmm thot tranny problems were only fom like 99-2001 accords, v6 also. Tranny is like number 2 part in a car, when it comes to expensive repairs. My Honda 2001 went through 3 trannys, all dealer warrantied tho. 1k sounds reasonable for a rebuild. Pretty cheap actually

 

[AzNKiD]

I dont know how much the car is worth, but i think its still in good condition. the engine still sounds alright, and before this tran problem, it ran smoothly. I did a major tune up just a few months ago, the whole works include timing belt, etcc. so the fluid should be good. since the price is about right, should i go for the repair with used parts, or go for the full rebuild at over a grand? i probably keep this car for maybe another 5 years top, which one is the better option. thanks

 

[alm4rr]

full rebuild usually is factory warranty
used = gonna break again

 

[arcenite]

Depends on how much the car is worth to you. The estimate you were given is accurate, and if it's a ford or a mazda, it's quite common.

 

[Zontor]

Originally posted by: squirrel dog
A grand is about right. Did you check the fluid level ? Get three ests. , then call the bbb before you get it repaired .

qft...

Actually a grand sounds cheap though....get the three estimates.

Aamco will *always* want to replace your transmission no matter what.

If memory serves me, they'll have to pull the engine. The basic repair kits are about $150-200 + a fair amount of labor. A quick look around the web shows rebuilt tranny's going for 1,200 -1500 for this car.

It boils down to a cost / benefit analysis....

 

[eshtog]

btw your cars has a inline 4 not a v4

 

[NorthRiver]

1k sounds about right.