Cost benefit analysis on Transmission replacement

KMA

MEMBER
FORD

I have a 2001 ford explr xlt with 88,000 miles. The transmission is going out. Local repair shop quoted $2,500 for rebuilt with a 1 yr warranty and $2,900 for new with 3 yr warranty. Ford dealership said $2,600 new for parts and labor.

My question is this: I owe $5,500 still on the vehicle. I am overwhelmed with the cost of this repair. I am considering either: 1) try to sell the car as is (and how much would that be worth) 2) make the repair and hope I still get $8,000 use from it 3) trade it in for a new headache (car). Please advise.

It seems that alot of the Ford EXPLRs are really having major repairs from 80,000+ miles and I dont want to invest $2,500 to have a bunch of new expensive repairs in 6 mos.

Any way to band aid the tranny?

Any ideas on how to calculate a cost benefit analysis?

Pls help this desperate housewife! :Shock:

1 Reply

TAURUSWHEEL

MECHANIC
718 POSTS

I've replaced two trans within the last year, one a month or so ago, first 94 Taurus 63k miles, bought new by me ax4s trans known troublemaker cost me 1850 for rebuilt with 18mo warranty included, second is my 99 Taurus 65k, bought new by me ax4n trans another work of art, cost me 1450 for rebuilt with 15mo warranty, both shops did excellent work, small locally-owned families. Both cars are extremely well-cared for with above and beyond services done to them, still the trans went in both. Another instance of Ford Motor Co. Knowing damn well that these trans are trash, you should check with your dealer, sometimes there are so-called hidden warranties or some type of help available on a case-by-case basis, depends on all kinds of factors, doesn't hurt to go round and round with the dealer, I even called Ford HQ to tell them what I thought of their transmissions, didn't amount to a hill of beans. I'm keeping all my records just in case Ford someday acknowledges their crap. I'd probably spring for the fix, the rebuilt trans have the latest updated parts, should last a while, remember find a good LOCALLY-OWNED trans shop, not a major player