I need to replace the transmission in my 2001 S60 T5 automatic with geartronic shift...127,000 miles

Volvo wants $4800 with 1 yr unlimited mileage warranty

Transmisssions by Lucille wants $2350 with 2 yr 24,000 mile warranty

Foreign Car Service wants $3350 with 1 yr 12,000 mi or $3950 with 3 yr 50,000 mi

Any opinions or warnings about going with an independent mechanic....thanks

 

My 2 cents versus thousands of your dollars.....

I'd go with the least expensive and the 2 yr/24K warranty. Sounds like you'll buy at least 2 years for that amount given your average annual mileage In 2 years, the car is 11 years old and probably won't be worth putting another transmission into it. The dealer's unlimited mileage warranty is limited by the number of miles you drive in one year. So, its really a 1 year/12K warranty. Not the best deal.

Just make sure you're not getting a "take your chances" junkyard special at the indy shops. While they are warranting it, do you want to be walking around or renting another car while they're locating one and installing it? I'm guess, based on info gleaned here, there are quite a few junk '01 transmissions out there.

I suspect you've been through this thought process already. And I'd think about a drain/refill on any replacement since you don't know what gunk and machine shavings may be circulating in it. At about 12K. Compulsive? Maybe, but maybe not. Cheap insurance.

 

Find the best shop with the best reputation at the lowest price. Afterwards make sure to go to the dealer and spend 80 bucks to ensure all your software is up to date.