sameer

I have a 2001 LS430 whose transmission has just being rebuilt. The car is still at the shop. I got a call today saying the cost is ~$3200. This includes a 3 year/36k miles warranty.

I don't have details on everything that was replaced but it started with a leaky front pump seal. At one point the shop said the "drum" had been damaged due to heat (I took the car in a few days ago when I noticed smoking after a short drive). I'll post an update once I get all the details.

But I'm wondering, does $3200 sound like a fair price? I'm in Austin.

Jabberwock

typically AT rebuilds on almost any car is $3000+ with a new AT at $6000+

You would likely pay $3000+ to rebuild AT on a Camry, so 3500 is a relative deal on an LS430.

My first 3 cars did not cost $3500 in total ..they were used but still...and some people think inflation isn't a problem these days.

Lynzoid

for 3000 you should get COMPLETE rebuild (90%+ of parts replaced INCLUDING valve body!).
but i doubt your 'shop' is that honest....

ancdmd

Used ones are eBay are @$500

BradTank

+1 on that.

I'd buy a used transmission and have a shop install it, just make sure it's EXACTLY what was in yours and see if they offer like a 30 day warranty.

These transmissions are fairly bulletproof, one dealer I talked to said he had never had one come in with an issue.

There's definitely a risk, but I personally would buy a used transmission if it was my car.
I'd be willing to bet the guy that's offering to rebuild yours has never done an LS transmission in his life.

Also, get a 2nd opinion, A transmission leak does not immediately mean it needs to be rebuilt.

jimbosr1

if they took it apart already and you dont have them repair it ,you will get your transmission in a box to take home.
or pay them to put it back together.

BradTank

I've heard that's what places like AAMCO do, they hold you over a barrel.

Lynzoid

Just saw a 0miles fully rebuilt a650e with warranty around 1k usd only on ebay...

Zodiac

iTrader: (1)

Check your local Craigslist, you maybe able to find one for a few hundreds. Of course buying from CL is always a risk.

warminwisc

PM me if you would like. I have an excellent tranny/repair shop in my town, Rays Transmission, I could ask. I have spoken to them and most any vehicle is going to be 1700$ plus. I would assume 3k sounds like a fair price I am almost thinking real fair but a good shop will replace only what needs to be replaced. dealer quoted me 2500 plus on a caddy Rays fixed it for 650.

I think very few shops now days actually rebuild them in house or have the skills to do this but I am sure you got references etc. This is the first or second real tranny issue I have seen on this forum in 4 years.

Either way once she is fixed many miles of good miles ahead. How many miles on the car? 3/36 is a great warrantee.

bethj

Did OP ever get this resolved? PM me if you'd like..I also know an excellent transmission shop here in Charlotte NC, Twin Transmission repair. These guys are the best around for tranny rebuilds and repair. I would highly recommend them.

LScowboyLS

if you have less than 250K miles on an Aisin A650E or A761E, I would question the diagnosis in the first place, as these transmissions are some of the most bulletproof in the world.

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

Even without changing the WS fluid?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I would say no. My local dealer recommends doing the drain and refill at least every 90k miles. I plan on doing it every 15k - 30k. It's not expensive and worth every penny in my opinion considering your only exchanging about 2 - 3 quarts at a time.

KA8

iTrader: (1)

I would skip on rebuild. They never do it right and good rebuilder is hard to find. Just get a good used ones for under $1000 and cal it a day