Advice sought -
During morning commute, the tach began jumping from 2k to 4k at speeds above 50 MPH.

If I was at 60 MPH an let off the accelerator, it would jump as indicated until I got to about 40 MPH or below.

My mechanic says that the transmission is gone, and needs to be replaced.

It is a reputable mechanic in Nashville - Import Auto Maintenance on Broadway, if you know the area. They recommended against the replacement, stating the cost of the repair versus the value of the car didn't make a whole lot of sense.

Thus, I have 2 questions.

Should I try to repair it. If not, how can I get any value from the vehicle towards my next purchase.

The car is in decent shape. Tires are good, engine is strong, AC is good. It does show the wear of 279k miles, and there are minor things that need to be done.

Any/all advice apprecited.

Good used ones here in Va. are getting 150.00 to 250.00 mostly with 100,000 or less. Do your self a favor and buy a used tranny and have it installed. Pauli

Paulii -
Thanks for the advice. This really isn't my game, so please forgive my ignorance.

Where do I look for a tranny and deal like the one you mentioned. Also, are mehanics like the one I referred to earlier typically helpful when you lug in a huge replacement part like this, or will I need to find a different installer.

Again, if I need to find a different installer, ideas as to how to find that person would be helpful as well.

Thanks so much.

Rush

Hello, I don't know what area your from, but the best deals on parts is mid-west and NC north to PA on the east coast. Ask your mechanic if he will do the swap, rear main seal is a good time to do as well. If he won't do it for 250.00 or less go to a transmission shop or call, tell them what you have and get a price quote. Those guys give the best prices for removal and install. Pauli

Rush,I have a good '94 trans and a good installer.E-mail me(through my profile).Bill

I'd check out the tranmission a bit first-- check the color of the fluid, check the levels and look for external leaks. It may well just need the tailshaft bushing done and a reseal, followed by a decent flush. There is some good stuff about these transmissions in the 700/900FAQ.

If the transmission fluid looks like a strawberry milkshake or black and smelly, then I'd look for a good used one. They are cheap enough and generally durable. Have it resealed when it is out, change the front seal and the output shaft seal and bushing and throw in a new kickdown cable and you should be good to go.

Having the car driveable is pretty much the only way to get a decent dollar for the car.

Good luck!

It does have a few miles on it, so they may be telling you the truth.

But....

It does have plenty of fluid in it?

Been flushed in the last 30,000 miles or so?

If you do have to replace/rebuild it, you could probably find one with less that half the miles on it for maybe $250 - $300 at a wrecking yard??? But if you have to hire out the installation, the bill becomes $500 pretty quickly.

I know it's a tough decision. Good luck.