I Got My Transmission Fixed For $85.94

Hi,
I was going nuts with worry about my clunking, skipping automatic transmission. I drive an old Saturn SL2. It's been an "ok" ride with the regular maintenance problems you'd expect with a 10 year old car. But, when the tranny started to slip, I was worried. I mean it's like being told your car has a terminal disease, And, with the prices I was hearing to fix it, compared to the Kelly Blue Book value, well let's just say I started to look at buying another car.

I shopped around for estimates and transmission mechanics were tossing ballpark estimates of $1500-$3500. I started surfing for information online and the news was bleak. It seems a lot of people were unhappy with their Saturn automatic transmissions in particular and Saturns in general. The up-shot, I was facing a major repair that looked like it would cost more than the car is worth.

Then, I took it to a mechanic who had worked on my son's Toyota. And here's the key. I had been pleased with his work in the past and I TOLD HIM SO. I also said I came to him because I TRUSTED HIM. Now there's something here that you might pick up from "How to Make Friends and Influence People." I don't know, but I think iof you treat people with respect, and let them know they are honestly appreciated, they kind of return the favor. Anyway, he connected his computer diagnostic tool to my car and it gave a read out for two problems. 1. First gear was out of calibration(?) and 2. something called a "Speed Sensor" was not working.

This wasn't the sort of work he was equiped to do , so he referred me to another shop. He got on the phone and called ahead for me and told the other guy that I was a good customer.

In the end, I got great service, and an honest price. $85.94 is much better than $3500 wouldn't you say? And, as I wrap this up, I guess it's more about people than cars.