I have a 1985 Transporter (1.9 water boxer) camper in  good condition.
However its 3 speed auto transmission has recently destructed. These
particular Transporters, especially autos, are rare in Western Australia
and although I trust my mechanic I know he is also a bit unused to
automatics on these vans and is relying on advice from others who may
also be a bit unused to these transmissions. I have been told I need a
new crown wheel / pinion ex Germany which will cost about $US2,200 then
another $US3,000 for the rest of the rebuild (it seems a bearing seized
and the crown wheel/pinion shatterred sending bits everywhere.  The
total cost is about what I paid for my camper and about 2-3 times cost
of locally built car. I don't mind paying, as we enjoy the car, and we
got into it cheap, but want to know if we are being ripped off - eg is
there another supply of crown wheel / pinions other than ex Germany? As
you can probably guess from this email I am not very mechanically minded
and would apreciate any advice. 

Regards

Trevor