Help! new transmission, Tysons Corner (Vienna, Merrifield: coupons, to buy, living)

[youhoo]

My newly graduated daughter just moved to the area and is having major car problems! Accura said she needs a new transmission to the tune of$5,000. I like a recommendation for a shop that does rebuilt transmissions at a fair price. She works in Tysons and is living temporarily in Falls Church.

[VRE332]

cant you just buy her a new car, she's got a new job right

[car54]

"Accura said she needs a new transmission ..."

If you mean an Acura dealer told her that...do NOT even consider a dealer for non-warranty repairs of ANY kind! Especially something major like a tranny.

I would also avoid the chains (Aamco, Cottman, etc.). Try to find an independent transmission shop...I think Consumer Checkbook magazine has rated transmissions shops. There's a good one in Vienna, just off Maple, near the W&OD...I'm trying to think of the name.

I wouldn't believe a thing a dealer says....they are hurting bad these days with poor auto sales. So, they're liable to be even more crooked than they normally are to make up for it.

It could be something simple, like a clogged filter...

[novadude]

What year model? Some Acura models (TL and CL) are known to have transmission failures.

You might want to join an Acura forum which is filled with enthusiasts to give better recommendations.

[voivod]

Originally Posted by car54

"Accura said she needs a new transmission ..."

If you mean an Acura dealer told her that...do NOT even consider a dealer for non-warranty repairs of ANY kind! Especially something major like a tranny.


I wouldn't believe a thing a dealer says....they are hurting bad these days with poor auto sales. So, they're liable to be even more crooked than they normally are to make up for it.

seeing as how shops generally run independent of the dealership, i'd highly doubt shenanegans, but okay... maybe you've experienced some shadiness.

how is it that the xmission is not a warranty job. powertrain warranty generally covers it. except in the case of "abuse." was the acura driven in the indy 500? powertrain warranties go way into the dozens of thousands of miles. is the car super high miles? buy a new car then.

a 5-thiousand dollar transmission job is crap. there's no such thing. i mean, i could make one 5-grand, but hell, i'd be forging (making) parts, hmmm...

[car54]

Originally Posted by voivod

seeing as how shops generally run independent of the dealership, i'd highly doubt shenanegans, but okay... maybe you've experienced some shadiness.

how is it that the xmission is not a warranty job. powertrain warranty generally covers it. except in the case of "abuse." was the acura driven in the indy 500? powertrain warranties go way into the dozens of thousands of miles. is the car super high miles? buy a new car then.

a 5-thiousand dollar transmission job is crap. there's no such thing. i mean, i could make one 5-grand, but hell, i'd be forging (making) parts, hmmm...

Since when does a dealer's service department operate independently of the dealership? Not that I ever heard of...in fact the new-car dealers I know say that even in good times, most of their profit comes from service, parts, and pre-owned sales.

Why would the dealer be quoting 5 grand if the car is under warranty?

[05c6400]

If you don't mind me asking what year is your Acura and which model. The only reason I ask is that Honda Accord transmissions during 2000 - 2003 production had major issues and Honda of America repaired/replaced the transmission at their expense. You may want to contact Acura/Honda of America and discuss your issue with them.

[qwertman]

Originally Posted by voivod

how is it that the xmission is not a warranty job. powertrain warranty generally covers it. except in the case of "abuse." was the acura driven in the indy 500? powertrain warranties go way into the dozens of thousands of miles. is the car super high miles? buy a new car then.

honda powertrain warranties are like 5 years/ 50,000 miles.

[youhoo]

Thank ya'll for your responses. My daughters car is a 1999 Accura TL which my ex gave her on her 16th birthday, used. It has 78,000 miles. Unfortunately, she misses the clunker rebate by 1 mile! Someone at her job recommended East Coast Transmission and it is there now awaiting their diagnosis. Poor thing, this couldn't have come at a worse time; she started work a week ago and is really struggling $$$. I wasn't implying the Accura dealer shenanigans only that she can't afford a $5,000 repair and the car isn't worth half that! I was suspicious however when they offered to buy it unrepaired for $1,000. I'll report on what the shop says. Thanks again.

[DC Oldtimer]

I have had a couple of very good experiences with Mr. Tire on Dorr Ave in Merrifield. It used to be called Cravens.

I find them very honest.

Check their website and/or the Sunday paper for coupons. There is usually something you can use to get $$ knocked off the bill.