Did we make the wrong decision by having the transmission replaced?

Question

My fiance has a 02 Chrysler Sebing, and bought it new. 6 months ago he started delivering pizzas and has put him at 80k miles. I have noticed that the shifting is noticable.. but not horrible. We had it checked out and the guy said it needs an "overhaul", I guess that means a replacement.

*All maintenance and repairs are done at the dealership.

Since it wasn't that bad, we're we wrong to say "yes, fix it"? It's costing 2k to have this done.

Also, should we have just dumped the car and got another one? Or will this one have a long life now?

Answer 1

2K at a dealership usually just entails replacing the gaskets and seals, flushing, and changing the fluid and filter. At that price they don't go inside the transmission and replace anything in it.

I would suggest that you do not buy a new rebuilt transmission. They will take a worn out transmission, look at a gear and if it is visibly worn they replace it, then they throw all the old parts and gaskets back into the case and sell it as new. Those are not worth the cost of the parts and labor. In all actuality, when you say "overhaul", the process I just described may have been what you signed up for.

Answer 2

Another reason Chryslers suck! Did the dealer check the CVI, which is the clutch volume index, you can get this measurement through the computer interface, it shows the amount of friction material left on the bands and clutches. The CVI is about the only feature good on chryslers. Also were the line pressures checked? Chrysler dealers are generally dishonest, employ unskilled mechanics and will up sell everyone. If you have the 2.7L engine keep up on your oil changes and run a flush every other oil change to prevent sludge buildup.

2K is high, but if it is for a factory remanfactured unit with a good warranty it is not out of line. Most dealers only install factory remanfactured units. There are companies like Phoenix Remanfactured Transmissions that sell fully tested rebuilt transmissions, and their warranties are the best in the business.

Answer 3

The service agreement should clearly stipulate exactly what the service will be; either replace or rebuild. For $2,000, I would hope it is being replaced rather than rebuilt with a new torque converter. Rebuilds are the norm as there are a flood of rebuilt trannys floating around looking for a new home under some Chrysler's hood. Some are expertly rebuilt, others are not. If it is a factory rebuild, you should have a smooth shifter for several more years. Even with the replacement transmission, other components will start failing on this car as the car approaches 90k, notably brakes and exhaust.

Answer 4

I think you are getting ripped off, there are a few things that should have been done before a determination of it needs a overhaul was made, such as changing the transmission oil and filter cost $70.00. 80,000miles is a LONG time for tranny oil, it should really be changed every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. That is far cheaper than $2,000 for a overhaul, they probably made that dertrmination by looking at the oil anyway, If it is still bad after a oil change then have the vacuum lines checked something is just probably clogged. don't get ripped off the dealerhip generally likes to do that. if those two fail than it might need a few gaskets changed, Play it safe, get a second opnion.

Answer 5

$2000.00 for a trans. overhaul !!! I suggest checking with a reputable transmission shop.
The dealer shop rate is usually higher than the after market by often time double. localy $1200-1600.00 is the going price range but I don't know what the going rate in your area is.

Answer 6

you should get a lot more driving out of it,but that's a little too high for a transmission for that car,that's a lot of money to put in to it,so he,ll have to drive it for a while to get some of that money back,id make sure i got a real good warranty with that transmission,good luck on it.