....and I brought it in to AAMCO and they said I need a new torque converter @ $2400!

Blah! I have a 1999 2.3CL auto with 120K miles. Is the price they quoted fair? Should I even fix it? Got this car 3 years ago for $5000 and to spend half the cost 3 years and 40,000 miles later is just meh....

 

First off: Do you like the car?

2nd: Does it drive good, other then the torque converter F-ing up?
3rd: Hows the body?
4th:Is there another car you like on the market?
5th:Swap a 5spd and say good day!


Up to you. $5000 3 years ago was a good price dude!

 

1. I do like it, but see number 4
2. It drives perfectly fine, I haven't noticed any transmission issues other than the light being on.
3. The car is pretty pristine just a minor scuff on the bottom corner of the drive side door.
4. I am looking at s used G35 or M3 but I was planning on a new car purchase next year. Can't afford either of them this year and if I put down $2400 to fix the CL now and can't really justify getting a new car in a year...

 

Ohhh i see your problem!

How much do you think judging by the car market around you, you can get for your CL right now knowing there is a problem?

Its probably a good idea just to get the new car now and put down whatever you get for the CL.

Now this is 100% realistic thinking...remember that you paid $5000 for it 3 years ago...if there is no rust try your best to get $1500.00 aprx

Good luck

 

Besides the point of liking the car or not. Investigate the problem first PROPERLY! If we all sold our cars at the first sight of extra costs because something broke, this forum would not exist. Further, you should NOT be owning a car if you are not willing to put any money in to it, period. Fix the problem, or stfu.

From the sounds of things, I doubt it is your torque converter. Get a second opinion. Your D4 light should be blinking if there was anything related to your transaxle. Did the CEL light stay on or turn off after a period of time? Did you get the exact code from the mechanic? Or they just told you that you needed a new TC? Try changing your transmission oil first, may solve a problem of this TC issue. But get a second opinion.

Educate then re-evalute. This forum is a medium to learn about and solve mistakes, not to sell cars.

 

Yeah if the light is still on bring it to autozone or something and get us the exact code.

 

If it's the TC then that means your tranny is on it's way out, very common thing with this car, it's up to you and if you think the car is worth it for if you want to rebuild the tranny or not, I rebuilt mine like 4 years ago and it's been solid ever since

 

even if it is the TC, that's waaaay to much to fix it.

 

make it 5 speed

 

Basic tools and some jacks / stands and you could replace it yourself. Big pain but it's not rocket science. You can get refurb torque converters on ebay for like 100 - 150 for that tranny.

 

Well I got quoted $1800 at another place this morning. Anyone know of a good place in the Philadelphia area (preferably in the suburbs)?

 

did they check the CEL and tell you what it is?

still seems high for a TC re&re. i had an entire 3.0 trans rebuilt for 1700CAD two years ago.

 

Some TC issues are simple electrical faults w/ lockup solenoids. Get the codes manually or from someone w/ a scanner and post for guidance.

good luck