undrcroft

So, i have a transmission shop, that was recommended to me, quote me $2100 on a transmission "overhaul" barring any "hard part damage or electrical issues", so i agreed. Got a call this morning that more parts and work will be needed, and the new price would be $3500. Now, $2100 was lower than I expected, but when I agree to a complete overhaul for $2100, I don't expect a price jump of 75% after work starts. Am I wrong?
Two major chain shops in the area have quoted me no more than $3000 on the job, but now I'm over a barrel with the current shop. I haven't asked them how much it will be to just cancel and box the whole thing up, but should i just scrap this thing since I'm sitting at 235k miles and Kelly Blue Book value is only $3500 in good condition?

bob2200

I'm sorry to hear about your transmission problems. A lot depends on some of the details and considerations you didn't mention.

My RX300 looks like it is 14 years old. I see photos of other RX300's that look almost new.

One consideration is that many RX300 parts seem to no longer be stocked by my local dealer, but rather take a day or two to arrive. I'm retired and can usually wait with no inconvenience. I held a Mercedes-Benz a long time in the 1970's-1990's. Parts availability went from 90% in stock and 10% one-day delay to 90% one-day delay and 10% two-week delay. My RX300 hasn't needed many parts, so I don't have a full picture of parts availability.

If it was me, I'd throw in the towel. But it is an individual decision, and everybody has different circumstances.

mic575

From my perspective it depends on what the whole car is like and what your plans are, not necessarily what the blue book value is. If the car is in rough shape and may have other large repairs coming then I probably would not keep it. If its in great shape otherwise and you can keep driving it for some time to come and you like the RX then go ahead with it. Factor in the warranty on the rebuild as well. How are your struts, brakes, TB, water pump, wheel bearings, radiator, tires?

JAB

My first question would be - is this shop qualified to rebuild the Toyota/Lexus transmission?

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

And if it is, can you negotiate the price down to under $3k. They shouldn't be ripping you off to the tune of an additional 75%. Ask them what parts were included in the original $2100 estimate and what additional parts are costing the extra $1400.

Drcoffee

I think you knew there was a chance the price would rise based on what he told you going in. Since the planetary gear is what fails, it only makes sense that there would be need for more parts to repair the tranny. If the vehicle is in great shape otherwise, your choice is to fix it or spend way more than $3000 on another used or new car. Make sure if you fix it, to have him use the upgraded steel parts.

salimshah

when it comes to work that involves labor, your county/state/federal rules apply. Usually the labor charge is considered an obligation to pay ... yes you have the right to take the vehicle back and you can get into litigation. Some shops who want to protect their good name, may negotiate to eat the cost of labor, but they have the right to extract the labor charge.

Please go over the initial contract [authorization to perform work] to understand your options and obligations.

In auto repair it is very customary to obtain the best estimate up front and the if the cost goes over the shop gets verbal authorization. If any one gets cold feet at that time, the labor is still due.

I dont want to set wrong expectations but if you insist they put the transmission back together in the form you brought it in ... then you will be obligated to pay the labor rate, diagnosis fee and gasket/oil that is used. I dont know the amount you will be charged but it might be worth asking the shop.

Salim