I have a 97SE w/auto trans with 142K miles and the transmission is making a high pitch whine noise when moving at low speed. (it could be making it at high speed too but with the road noise, I can't hear it) Shifts from 1-2 are pretty hard but shifts from 2-3 are soft. Took it to a transmission shop and they want 450 just to diagnose the problem but they said it is definitely a transmission problem. One they diagnose then they can give me an accurate estimate when can range from $1250 to $2500. The dianostic fee is waived if I repair the transmission with them.

Should I get a second opinion or is the trans really toast? Would it be worth fixing on a 13yo car?

Aside from the trans the car needs the OEM suspension replaced, brakes done and new tires. Throwing $3K into this car right now is not what I want to do.

 

yeah thats enough loot to buy another one.... however id recommend lowering it on nice shocks struts springs, getting a 5 speed lsd in that **** and new rims and tires, you'll feel great, i promise.

 

yes you should get a second opinion
and maybe look on the org for someone selling a tranny maybe it will cost less to replace it.........

 

i dont see how this answer helps the guy in any way..................

 

No guarantees on a used trans plus I'd most likely have to pay shipping so I don't see a benefit to buying a used tranny.

 

i'd definitely get a second or third opinion on you tranny then....................

 

Well I say if you got that kind of money to blow on a 13 year old car then go ahead, and yes there is no guarantee with a used trans, the only benefit is your not shelling out 2-3K on a trans for a vehicle that only probably values for about a grand or so more.
If it were me i would be doing some research and try to find a used trans on here or somewhere else and do the job myself or if you dont know how, then find somebody you trust and knows there way around a car and have them give you a hand! That way you know its done right!
Either way...Good Luck!

 

I bought a used auto tranny from a junkyard for $375 w/ tax and replaced it myself. First time ever doing anything like that. I just looked at the FSM if I got stuck. Just don't try lifting it back into the car using 2x4's and the car jack. It'll work but an engine hoist would have been better. Having tools is important. And the trans ended up being a rebuilt unit. It came out of the same year as mine and had the same amount of miles too.

 

yes, there is a warranty on a used tranny. I got a used tranny w/ a 6month warranty on it, however, my mech found the tranny for me.

A new tranny from nissan is 2500. A reman tranny from nissan is 2200.

Since it shiftin hard u may jus have a solenoid issue. But its an assembly so it may be costly. Thats if u wanna fix yur tranny.

Bottom line, it will be less expensive to jus replace the tranny. For a used tranny with 90k on it, cost me 700 for the tranny, 300 to replace. 1000 bucks total. Used maxi trannys are all over the place and should be easy to find.

 

Thanks! I'll look for a used one.

 

i would go wit a used tranny jus look for one with the lowest milage u can find and most places give u 3-6 months warrenty .

 

Definitely get a 2nd opinion before you go spending money on a used tranny.