93 850 Transmission failure and replacement. oh my $$$!

Paul93-850 · Post by **Paul93-850** » 01 Mar 2005, 12:30

Ack! I need some help getting some perspective!

Yesterday our transmission gave up the ghost. Now I have to look at repair options. That is: repair/replace the tranny or just replace the car.

The dealer says that the tranny is seized up and that they can replace it with a factory rebuild for $2900 CDN parts and $800 CDN plus the joyous 15% sales tax here in Ontarioland. They are also recommending some PCV repairs if I decide to replace the tranny. However, they just called back and recommended not fixing it and getting another car b/c of the age (1993) of my 850.

All in total, I'm looking at about $4k, which is about what used 93 850's are selling for here.

My question is this, are other options available other than the factory rebuilt tranny? The independent garages (and the dealer) are recommending against rebuilding the tranny.

So, what about a used tranny from a junkyard that's not a factory rebuilt tranny? Has anyone gone that route?

The car is sitting at the dealership. I have at least several hours to make a decision.

Anyone have a 7 seater wagon in great shape that they want to sell?

heh.

jollyeskimo · Post by **jollyeskimo** » 01 Mar 2005, 12:49

When my '93 850's tranny decided to die on me as well a year or so ago, we decided to have it replaced with a rebuilt. I believe it cost around $2400CAD for parts though, if it helps.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 01 Mar 2005, 19:02

I had my transmission custom re-built by a independent shop for $2500 USD, but I had them throw in lots of upgraded perfomance transmission components while they were in there. Normally, it would've been about $1500 USD for the typical rebuild.

Paul93-850 · Post by **Paul93-850** » 02 Mar 2005, 10:22

Guys,

Thanks alot for the input, I found it helpful.

I found an independent shop that I trust and have used many times before. They found a used transmission and will install it.

Parts + labor for $1900 cdn. Tax of 15% on top of that. So $2185 total. I think that I can live with that. Comes with a 4 month warranty. Half the cost of the dealer, although the factory reubild has a longer warranty.

Now I have to get it towed over there...

thanks!

jollyeskimo · Post by **jollyeskimo** » 02 Mar 2005, 12:09

Nice, what dealer was it? I got mine done by AMD auto (they specialize in volvos and mercedes) on Woodbine

steve · Post by **steve** » 02 Mar 2005, 21:03

Just curious, how many miles were on your old tranny before it died? Are you the only owner and what type of treatment/ service did the tranny have in prior years???

Thanks

Paul93-850 · Post by **Paul93-850** » 03 Mar 2005, 16:16

Jollyeskimo,

The place is called Fallingbrook Auto, on the east side of Toronto off Kingston road. I've found them always fair in service and price. They have even talked me out of repairs that I thought I needed.

Steve,

Only had 180k on the tranny - not that high. First owner sold the car to a dealer, it sat on lots for a number of months, and then I bought it. I never did anything for the transmission. Lame. I should have gone on a flushing rampage!

-Paul

steve · Post by **steve** » 03 Mar 2005, 19:54

My 850 started to shift poorly at about 80K mi. I up to that point had never flushed or changed the tranny oil. Thereafter I replaced the tranny oil with every enging oil change until the shift normalized, about 6k miles. Now I change it every other oil change and have not had any more problems of any sort with the tranny.

Tommorrow it will melt down.........

S

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 07 Aug 2005, 22:01

Sorry to hear about your problem. I can relate. The same thing just happened to my 93 volvo. I have been quoted around $1500 to $1800 including installation for a rebuilt. I live in New England. I'm not sure what I am going to do yet. I only paid $2500 for the car and had it for 7 months. Luckily, I didn't sell my other car and will use until I decide what to do. I will let you know if I find out any other info. If you know someone who will put the junkyard trans. in I would try it.

66 GT350 · Post by **66 GT350** » 08 Aug 2005, 07:02

THAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH OLD AUTO TRANNIES. THEY ARE SO EXPENSIVE TO FIX YOU CAN BUY ANOTHER CAR. YOU CAN EITHER BUY ANOTHER AUTOMATIC HEADACHE OR GO MANUAL 5 SPEED. GO MANUAL!