2002 Transmission Problems HELP

[abridgemd]

I have the 2002 4 cyl Camry SE automatic tranny. The "U" engine.

I recently replaces the converter after failing the state emissions test. Last Saturday on my way to work my transmission gave out on me. No prior issues! Car just stopped moving when given gas. Shop tells me it is the pump and gears that are bad and a ton of metal in the tranny.

Is this normal? Only 115,000 miles on it? Cost to repair is @ $3200. Should I fix it or sell it as is and try to get another vehicle? I like the car and had no problems before this.

Thanks

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by abridgemd

I have the 2002 4 cyl Camry SE automatic tranny. The "U" engine.

I recently replaces the converter after failing the state emissions test. Last Saturday on my way to work my transmission gave out on me. No prior issues! Car just stopped moving when given gas. Shop tells me it is the pump and gears that are bad and a ton of metal in the tranny.

Is this normal? Only 115,000 miles on it? Cost to repair is @ $3200. Should I fix it or sell it as is and try to get another vehicle? I like the car and had no problems before this.

Thanks

Nope, it's not normal/common.

Is that a Toyota transmission for $3,200? If not get a quote from the dealer. I'm not a big fan of most transmission shops.

Your car isnt' worth much with a bad transmission. You should have a lot of life left in the car after you fix it, provided that it has been and is being maintained properly.

[marc780]

You can do alot better on the price. But he's right, an awful lot of transmission shops DO rip you off by overcharging or not fixing the trans properly. Out here in California AAMCO is a huge chain, and they get caught over and over again ripping people off and otherwise cheating them. (I dont go there i just read it in the news) Yet AAMCO is still in business, when they get caught, they just quit cheating people for a year or two and then go right back to their old tricks (and get caught again).

Maybe find a decent used or rebuilt transmission somepleace else and have a good shop install it. Probably save 50% if you shop right.

[abridgemd]

The toyota dealer wanted $2800+ for the tranny and $1600 in labor. I have had offers up to $4600 for the car AS IS with NO tranny. My understanding is that the U model tranny is more expensive than the other for that year.

I don;t want a new car note either.

Can this tranny problems cause any other problems with the car down the line? like engine problems? pardon my ignorance. I am not good with cars!

I've replaced the catalytic converter already and now will be the tranny. What other issues can I / should I watch out for. I do maintain the car good...I do not neglect it.

HHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPP

[ebumdude]

Dang man, that sucks.

I was having the same problems with my Explorer, thats why I now drive a Camry.

I know you said you didn't want to jump into a car note, but I think it might be time to do so. You are going to have the tranny replaced which will cost HALF of what the car is worth.

[abridgemd]

The same car around here sells for 8500 - 10500.

not sure what to do

[the critic]

$2800 is the retail price for the transmission. You can buy it from 1sttoyotaparts.com for $2100 + shipping. I also found you a low mileage unit w/37k for $499 (or less if you made an offer) + $100 shipping here.

1600 for labor sounds high, does the engine assembly need to be removed as well like it does on the 2GR-FE?

I would seriously consider ordering the low mileage unit and having an independent shop install it. The rest of the car still has a lot of life left in it.

How often did you change the transmission fluid previously? Usually these units are fairly reliable so I think it's a good candidate for an used unit.