Blown Transmission! How Much?

Well, been surfing the net, reading this thread, discussing it with the wife and crunching the numbers.

I'll have to wait for at least an estimate/work/repair option before I make a move.

I'm going to estimate a grand.

If that's the case, and I think I can get a year out of it, I will. I just put new tires on in November.

However, it still has the original factory battery and exhaust. Both of which will go next, I'm sure.

 

Yep, about $2,000 sounds right. At least that's what it cost to replace a transmission five years ago on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. If it's a standard (stick shift) transmission it'll be less expensive, but considering the age of the car and the mileage, it'd be better to put the $2,000 down for a new car.

 

Chrsylers suck with transmissions. I've got a 2002 Chrysler that is in the shop now after the transmission went out. Turns out it was a burned solenoid pack. Getting the pack replaced, plus flushing out the transmission fluid and labor, is costing $550.

 

I'm hoping that's all it is: A solenoid pack. (and yes, Chrysler's are notorious for bad solenoid packs).

 

Loss of gears will not be a solenoid pack, unfortunately. Especially with no reverse.

 

Transmission shops are not like regular mechanics. You have a specific problem. You won't be a captive audience, like at a mechanic. So, pick up the phone, go down the phonebook, and start calling.
"Hi, I'm Pete Incaviglia and I have a 2000 ___________. How much for a rebuilt transmission?"
Next one. And so on. "Hey, Bob's Tranny's said they can do it for $1,100 out the door. Can you beat that?"

 

As regards the new tires, beware of the economic principle of sunk cost. I know it sucks that you just put the tires on, but whether you get a new transmission or a new car, you still spent the money on the tires. You're not getting that back.

 

Good points. Including the post before this.

Problem is, the car was towed to a transmission shop. a reputable one according the locals I work with.

 

Scrap the car if at all financially feasible. See what a junkyard will give you for the vehicle, which will be scrapped for parts.

If you can't get a new vehicle of your dreams, look at a 3-4-year-old Nissan, Honda or Toyota.

 

Yeah, that's nice. So you won't pay for replacement transmissions and labor. But the five-year-old MoPar will still spend more time on hoists in the dealership service department than a 15-year-old Honda or Toyota.

 

Blown transmission = cringe. And loss of sleep. I've been there. Just get a new car.