Since my trans started showing it'* first signs of letting go, I've been trying to decide between getting a new car or fixing my current one. Most of my "mods" (LEDs, speakers, clear corners, etc.) will be easy to switch to a new Bonneville if I do end up getting one.

I found a nice SLE for $1850. The only thing it needs is a blower motor. It has about 30,000 fewer miles than mine, and has a sunroof and charcoal interior.

What does everyone think?


*BTW, I call dibs on the SLE in case anyone else was looking for one.

nice, she looks very clean!
good luck!

I'd go for getting the transmission serviced or replaced. If that'* the only problem on your SE, I'd just fix it and keep going. If you can do the repair yourself, you'll drive away with most of that $1850 in your pocket.

However, if you can't do transmission repair on your own or with another member'* help, you'd be spending about $1200 on a swap, and at least $1850 for a full rebuild -- in which case, the SLE is the more attractive option.

I don't see it being that expensive. I had my transmission on my 95 Regal rebuilt at 144k, for $1100 including a new torque converter. At 217k, it was still shifting perfectly, but I did change the fluid twice between 144k and 217k. I learned that these transmissions can last a nice long time if you change the fluids, keep them cool with a transmission cooler, and watch for signs that something could go wrong. Fix it before it gets worse.

The transmission is for sale, though its for a w-body so it might not bolt up to your car. Someone else would have to verify it.

When was the last time you had your fluid and filter changed?

While poking around local tranny shops last summer, the cheapest quote I got on a rebuild was $1800; the cheapest swap was $1250.

Of course, if you can steal a rebuild for $1100 like Andrei did, you'll have $750 left in your pocket for your next mod.

Last fluid/filter change was ~6000 miles ago. I'm not sure if it had ever been done before that, because I had just bought the car.

The guy said this morning that $1600 would take it.

The $1100 i got charged was barely south of Chicago in a neighborhood transmission shop. They did an excellent job.

You could get a good low mileage used transmission for a fraction of that price.

Here'* an example. Not sure if this would fit your car, but its an example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRANS...ht_2343wt_1166

I bought the transmission for my Regal from them. Mine cost me $225 shipped, and had 86k miles on it.

Just take a drive around your neighborhood and stop by transmission shops and see what they would charge. I didn't get mine done *that* long ago. It was barely 2006 or 2007 when I had it done. Or, I can refer you to a friend (who is getting my L67 swap done in my 95 Regal) I have in Lorain, OH (287 miles) who can swap transmissions for you for a fraction of what you would normally get charged, if you bring him a transmission to put in for you. I can get you in touch with him if you're interested. Come to think of it, getting a low mileage ebay transmission with a warranty and having him swap it for you would be a lot cheaper.

I just gave him (Bob) a call to see how much he would charge. $400 for the transmission swap. If the transmission I just listed would work, then it would be a $750 job, plus gas and mileage for you to drive two cars there and one car back, twice or drive 1 car and take a train back twice.

I say fix it up. If you buy another one it might be a ticking time bomb with lots of problems just waiting to happen.

X2 on what Brian just said, that car could have alot more problems than yours