Boron

When you're quite finished having your strop and getting your knickers in a twist, you'll see I suggested you at LEAST contact the dealers for the State of Texas, and see if one of them would be willing to offer some assistance "pro bono".
I don't know where you're pulling $4K from - that's the sort of figure a new transmission is quoted here - but until you stop trying to second guess the dealers, and actually ask them, it's all pure conjecture on your behalf!

You'd also notice I asked if you'd read other recent threads - on the first page or two of this section - which was a slightly cryptic way of suggesting you should bother to do so, as you'd see similarities in your symptoms, and the resultant outcomes for those members affected.

Again, if you bother to pick up a phone, you'd find out if your car's had all its TSBs done or if its VIN is one that falls into a specific TSB for affected chassis.
If you take the time to speak to the dealer, explain your current situation and reluctance to sell the car, etc, etc, you never know what they might do for you.

Now quit having a hissy fit, start dialling a few numbers, and go on the charm offensive - the worst that can happen is you're still in the same boat afterwards.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

0975788

^ thats the help i was looking for.