My 1989 Volvo 760 GLE won't go in reverse and the neutral is now drive. My mechanic says I need a new transmission and is doing his best to do it all for under $800. The challenge is finding a transmission with low mileage (my car only has 110k on it). Any advice? Is this even the route to take? What are the benefits to getting a transmission for my car. Will it strongly increase the possibility of driving my car for a few more years at least? Thanks!

 

Is the gearbox really unserviceable or has the selector linkage slipped out of place?

 

I think it's really unserviceable. The mechanic has good reviews (and specializes in Volvos) and when I took it to him last he told me that the car was still good to "scoot around town in" but that eventually the transmission was going to go based by how the car was driving and that I should start saving up for that if I wanted to go that route (as opposed to getting a new car, I imagine). That was about 5 weeks ago. So sooner than he thought. Just wondering another opinion about whether it was worth it or not. I've put in a new starter and brakes this year, too, so I wonder what else could go wrong? Isn't the transmission "the main thing" of the car? When it's fixed, does it really help the whole car run better like I've heard?

 

That and the engine which, of course, are the two most expensive parts of the car.

With a low mileage I am surprised you are having major problems with the gearbox unless a previous owner has neglected fluid changes.

If your mechanic can do it for under $800 and you were intending to keep the car before this problem it may be worth the outlay. I would certainly consider it a worthwhile investment but I loveVolvospre-2000.

 

Thanks for your insightI'm somewhat attached to this car (to put it mildly) and will probably get a new transmission. I just needed a second opinion and I don't want to do anything rash especially when money is concerned.

When it was serviced last, I did go with the "flush" option. Does that involve changing the fluid? Other than that, I don't recall having it changed since I bought the car two and a half years ago. How often does it need to be changed? You can tell I don't know much about car care.

 

The flush does include new fluid.

On your car the fluid should be changed evert 20,000 miles. Another flush should not be needed if you keep to that.

 

Thanks! You've been a great help.