To make a long story short, my car started making strange noises and next thing I knew, my auto transmission is busted.. The dealer claims it needs to be replaced and quoted me $2418 for a used tranny and $3250 for a new one (all labor and extra parts are included in that price. A few competing shops seemed to think that those figures were about right. What do you guys think I should do? Here are my personal options.

1. Auto/Manual swap. This is the perfect time to do this, but I dont know a shop who is willing... This would almost make all of this trouble worth it.

2. Take a loss and trade the car in for something else (considering all of the work I've done to my car, I'm quite hesitant to use this option).

3. Bite the bullet and let Satan (the dealer) have thier way with my ride. I'm gonna need to borrow some major cash for that one.

Please let me know what you guys think, for any opinions will be helpful.. If any one reccomends the tranny swap option, I need specifics (what shops do it and what needs to be done, etc).

Thanks in advance

Manual swap

How about the tranny from an AWD Caravan, and the rear end of a wrecked GSX? Shorten everything (driveshaft and axles), and have the first AWD 2GNT. That is my goal, and then I have Leve10 put their goodies on...
-=B-=

That AWD would be awesome but if thats a little pricey they go to manual.

Check out http://www.level10.com

Now's a perfect time to upgrade. If you don't level 10 the tranny then I say go for the AT-MT swap. MitsubishiGraveyard.com may be able to help you out with that one.

if you keep auto, go to level 10 or a local tranny shop. 3200 for a stock replacement is outrageous. a level 10 rebuild will cost that much, but then you gotta pull and install the tranny, unless ur close to em.

Yeah definitely level 10 it. The bullet proof tranny from them costs I think $2600 and I can't see labor being anymore than $500-$700 to put it in. So you'd be getting a brand new tranny and built up. Better than getting a used one for more. Try the manual swap if you can. I can't see it being more than the other options you listed. BTW live in Texas by chance? There's someone down here that'll do the swap.

Wow, thanks to all for the prompt advice. I'll check out level 10, but if they aren't close to me (so cal), things could get problematic. Too bad I dont live in Texas, or I'd head straight for that shop... I'm going to phone some places tomorrow and see if they will perform the manual swap.

Damn that sucks. How many miles did you have? I have a feeling most shops won't want to do the swap, since it usually involves a lot of labor especially if they have never done it before. Most shops lose money when trying to do custom work because it takes longer than they quoted or expected. Good luck.

Tranny swap. The labor is no more than having to install a new tranny anyway.

I have 80,000 miles on my car.. Its alot, but I expected my tranny to make it to 100k @ least... :(