In a message dated 99-05-26 22:13:00 EDT, you write:

> $3,000 for the trans and $2,500 for the work.

Kate--

(Makes the $800 for those alloy wheels in Buffalo look like a deal.)

My 4 speed transmission needed a rebuild a year or so back. The DEALER (yes
the VW dealer) wanted  $2750 total for the job. And you should have a hard
time finding a higher price than the dealer. the breakdown was $2200 for the
factory rebuilt trans nad $395 for labor. My guess is dealer prices for
transmission is relatively standard.

I bought a rebuilt trans from a vendor in Calif. for about $950 and did the
swap myself.
My advice would be find a rebuilder near where you live. Because as I figured
out a warranty from a rebuilder that's 3,000 miles away is mostly just silly.

You can definately get it cheaper than $5500. Tell us the name of the shop so
we can be on the lookout.

I saw Ron at the Bus Depot had some NEW automatic transmission at a
reasonable price a few months back I think. And I'm sure some list vendors
have reasonable rebuilds.

Let the list know where you are (geographically that is) and I'll bet someone
can hook you up with a nice shop to do the work. (We've already established
it's not hOuston).

That is IF you need to replace the trans. Could be something else I'm
guessing, but I'm no expert.

And I don't mean to split hairs, but it's HOUSTON.

Good Luck
Jeff
83.5 Westy
NYC