> a broken part on a standard tranny is something that one can fix themselves
> if they have the skill to at least change parts and to lay the parts out
> with some regard to mechanics SOP

Heh. I take it you've never disassembled a Vanagon manual
transmission, particularly with the intention of replacing a broken
3-4 synchro slider hub. Take a look at the Bentley procedure. I'd
certainly never attempt it without the right tooling and jigs.
Granted, replacing parts on an auto tranny is no walk in the park
either, but the vanagon auto transmission unit is the same as used in
many Audi vehicles, so rebuilts are fairly plentiful and cheap.

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Lastwagen"
'90 Vanagon GL - "Wiesel"