so yesterday I went out to check out some volvo indie shops to get some price quotes to replace my transmission. the lowest was $450 used tranny + $250 labor = $700 total for the tranny swap. this shop offered 3 months warranty for the used transmission and i year warr. for labor. I'm interested in the price, but the shop looked like one of those hole-in-the-wall shops. they specialize in volvos and saabs. the higest I got was approx. $1500 for used tranny and labor! forget it! I called the junkyard and they have used tranny for $400 (3 months warr.). however, most shops prefer to use in-house transmissions, as they could warrant it themselves. it's strange, I had one shop tell me he could put a later year and can even put a 900 series tranny on mine (he said a particulat model shares the same tranny as the 240) with low mileage. then I had a shop or two say that's not really possible. a few shops say depending on whats on hand, they might have to put an earlier year on my car and the mileage might be higher. isn't the idea of getting another tranny or engine is to get one with lower mileage and possibly a later year, if not the same year as your car?

also, I got a quote of about $260 for timing belt, all seals and stuff relating to it changed (worst case scenario). cheaper if some things don't need to be replaced.

I really want what's best for my volvo, yet at an affordable price. so, great wise ones, do any of you guys think I am being ripped off? it's time to resurrect my brick!