Ain't this always the way?

[naccoachbob]

Yesterday, I drove to one of my offices in another town to do a site assessment for adding another 12 staff. On the way down, as I left the highway for the Loop that goes around Lufkin, Tx., I could feel something bad happening with the transmission on my '07 Camry. When changing gears (automatic), the engine would rev as if the bands were slipping. Now, I don't know if they have bands anymore in transmissions, but that's the only reference I had.
After doing our work, we ate, and I started driving back here to Nacogdoches, about 30 mi., and the "Check Engine" light came on. The car jerked and jerked until I got to speed then is settled down. So I went to an auto store and asked them to put the diagnostic computer on my car and see what the errors were. It had to do with a Solenoid either on or in the transmission.
The first place I took it to get repaired didn't do transmission work, so referred me to a place. When I got in there, there were 2 people waiting. The shop owner was talking to the first, and I overheard "Well, these 2 pins cost $300 each, and that's covered in the cost of the overhaul". Gulp! Two pins? $300 each? Then the 2nd guy went up to pay his bill and get his car. The guy said "That'll be 1796....................45" I really Gulped. But I left it overnite, and the man calls me today.
"I'm sorry, I can't find the parts for this in the aftermarket arena and you'll need to take it back to the Toyota dealer". GULP big time! So I asked "Just ball park me on about how much I'm looking at for this repair"
"I'd be very surprised if you got out of there with less than $4000".
After I woke up, I got my keys, told my wife to go on back to work, and I went to finish the day at the office. Man, I got the title for this car back in January after paying it off. Now this repair will cost me about 1/2 to 2/3's the value of the vehicle.
Can't a guy catch a break here and there?
Thanks for listening to my sob story. I don't feel better, but, I don't feel worse.
Bob

[tippie53]

In Sept I was getting ready to go to Woodstock NY for a guitar show. I had my truck in the shop for a check out so I knew it would be ok. I got the call I have bad news and real bad news. I needed brakes but I also had a hole in the frame. The meant my truck won't pass inspection.
So I got a new truck , seem like vehicles know when you make the last payment or have extra money. good luck on your tranny. You are not alone. I feel your pain

[naccoachbob]

Ouch, John!
Workin' stiff can't buy a break!
When was the law passed that any transmission problem has to be a 4 figure problem?

Thanks for listening to my sob story. I don't feel better, but, I don't feel worse.
Bob

Damn cars! Can't live with 'em......can't live without 'em.
Hope you escape this with minimal pain.

-tommy

[johnnparchem]

$4000 ??? You should be able to get a rebuilt drive train for that amount. I would wait to see how this comes out. I have always been dubious of transmission repair shops.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Last fall my wife and I were talking about her "02" Accord that we bought new, and how it was going to be the last car she would need because she only drives a bout 5000 miles a year now. The car had 75,000 miles, all payed for years ago, and was in great shape. About a week later, she was in an accident on the freeway, not her fault, but she ran into the back of someone who cut her off, totaled the car, and then we shelled out $15,000 for a used Toyota Rav4.....talk about OUCH. So much for planning for the future.
I hope your situation has a happier ending Bob.

Kevin