to fix or not to fix...

May 20, 2004 4 Replies
B

car: '88 Camry V6 LE @ 90,000mi



diagnosis



  1. the car makes a hoover craft sound when going down the road
  2. the trans holds onto the gear too long before shifting (no change in engine RPM)

fix: replace transmissions with worn bushings, $3000 (parts)



I don't have good feelings about what dealer is saying to me. If bushings in the transmission are worn, can't they just replace the damn bushings/bearings? The guy who phoned me couldn't say, and just said "it's bit complicated than that. it's just that you need a new trans if you want more milage out of the car."



I do light-duty service around the car (lube, rotate tires, change engine oil) and I couldn't figure out. Is the bushing integral to the housing or something?



TIA


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A

Would you buy and 88 Camry with 90000k for $3000 is the question I would be asking myself, assuming the dealer has correctly diagnosed the situation.

You may want to try a transmission specialty shop. I find they have much better technology than dealers when it comes to tranny's and they are more apt to repair than replace if they can.

Mike

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K

that

Sound advice David. I paid $4000 for my 1994 XLE gold V-6 with power everything, sunroof, and leather interior. Had 1180k miles on it when I bought it. Now has 235k and I finally had my first major repair today, had to replace the driver side axle on the front.

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H

Time to go junkyard diving. Used transmission about $250, an afternoon and getting a couple friends to help you with an "uplifting experience"

Alternately, a decent transmission repair shop will either have one or rebuild it for $9-1200 with a 6-12 month warranty. What's the rest of the car like? 90K is just a baby if it's in good shape.

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