OT: Repair MiniVan or dump it ?

[Steph]

[Slow night, so OT question... ]

I was just informed that my 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
needs a full transmission rebuild which will cost about $8000 (dealer quote)

This was completely unexpected, with no prior signs of tranny distress until the clutch
and torque converter just crapped out.

The van is 7 years old, with 180,000Km , and until now, never had any mechanical issues.
It is in otherwise fantastic condition (no rust, great cosmetics, no issues).

In working condition it's worth at least $12K-$15K.
Right now it's worth $2000 at best for scrap.

I think it's worth fixing and hopefully getting 3+ more years out of it,
but my wife wants to cut bait and move on.

Thoughts ?

Is there a mechanic in the house (...calling Sparky ! )



Thanks,
Steph

[cap]

I went to a car accident shop (Carrossier ProColor) when my dealer quoted me a ridiculous price to replace my broken radio.

[tartagliag]

Hey Steph,

Have you checked with a reputable transmission shop instead of the dealer? A rebuild from a specialist might cost you a lot less.

Good luck!

tartagliag

[Guard]

Hey Steph,

Have you checked with a reputable transmission shop instead of the dealer? A rebuild from a specialist might cost you a lot less.

Good luck!

tartagliag

This!!!

Nissan wanted over 7 grand for a Trans for wife's Murano.
A friend found a place in Woodbridge that did it all for a bit over 3. (Pre-covid pricing))

[Dave W.]

If you don't have any transmission shop in your area, there is a well-known one in Ile Perrot if you can get the truck to the MTL area:
https://www.precisiontransmissionileperrot.com/services

[semicolin]

I'd get a quote from B&N Transmission on Gladstone. I've found their pricing far more reasonable than the dealer and they've always done top notch work.

[RedFive]

i had my '66 Cutlass rebuilt there a few years ago: http://www.ottawatransmission.com/

Job well done. Although i don't remember how much it cost, i remember i was not shocked. (i.e. it felt reasonable at the time).

[Steph]

Thanks for all the input.

Yes, I am well aware of the extra mark-up at the Dealership
and that specialty transmission shops are way cheaper.

I did call around and got quotes ranging from $4500 to $5500 ,
but all those were for rebuilt drop-in replacements.

ie. they take my tranny out, put a suitable re-furb instead, fix my tranny, put it another car, lather, rinse , repeat !

All these places said that it was WAY too labor intensive to actually fix the tranny,
and that it was just easier to install a pre-built refurb.

Depending on the shop, they offered 90-days to 1yr warranty (which directly influenced the cost ).

The dealership actually fixes the tranny, with OEM parts and has a 2 yr warranty.

Better still, I used the whole "loyal customer" crap to guilt them into giving me a discount.
So they offered to lower the cost to $5500 plus taxes.

Although this is still insanely expensive, I appreciate their effort to accommodate me.

So I decided to get it fixed at the dealership.

Even if we don't keep the van, I expect that I will more than recoup the repair cost if I fix it then sell it .
(ie. $2000 not working, or $12K-15K working is worth the repair cost ).

... so now I just have to decide which kid to sell ....

Steph

[Mrhide]

dump it and get a vamos!!

[Chris Silver]

You said your wife wants to cut bait and move on. That’s the important component.