My 2004 Ford Escape recently had the transmission go out at 128k, and I took it to crossroads ford who says it will need to be rebuilt. The cost to repair at crossroads will be more than the value of the car ($5k) and so I assume I have two options, either get it fixed elsewhere for cheaper and try to resell for cash, or sell it to a junkyard as is. Any recommendations or other options?

6/4/2012 10:15:57 AM

I'd imagine you could sell it on craigslist for more than the junkyard price...

Get a second opinion?

6/4/2012 10:50:23 AM

Isn't it cheaper to have a new transmission installed instead of rebuilding an existing one?

6/4/2012 1:10:55 PM

TLC transmission up near intersection of Old Wake Forest Road & Capitol - Call & get a quote for a rebuild.

Guy's name is Lee Crawford-

http://www.tlctransmission.com

6/4/2012 1:30:03 PM

I think they overshot the estimate by ~$3.5-4k

6/4/2012 3:40:53 PM

trade it on a new ford. they're still giving that junk away.

6/4/2012 3:47:03 PM

they are doing pretty well quality-wise right? I wasn't impressed with the interior or driving experience of the fusion, but it seemed like a good appliance

6/4/2012 4:15:38 PM

they're better than they used to be

wasn't that hard to do that, though

6/4/2012 4:18:09 PM

nmsj, fmsj... mms serious j. vwmsj, who doesn't msj?

6/4/2012 4:36:07 PM

obligatory "cummins"

6/4/2012 4:59:01 PM

Quote :

"I think they overshot the estimate by ~$3.5-4k"

Pretty sure the Escape is FWD or FWD based AWD which is always pretty expensive compared to a RWD vehicle. Way more labor. $5k+ seems ridiculously high, but this isn't going to be a $1k job either.

Quote :

"TLC transmission up near intersection of Old Wake Forest Road & Capitol - Call & get a quote for a rebuild."

Definitely check with some independent shops before relying on the dealer quote to make your decision. If nothing else, get a shadetree mechanic to swap in a junkyard tranny and sell it yourself.

Quote :

"they are doing pretty well quality-wise right? I wasn't impressed with the interior or driving experience of the fusion, but it seemed like a good appliance"

The 1st Gen Escape has a pretty bad reliability rep; even by American car standards.

[Edited on June 4, 2012 at 5:20 PM. Reason : l]

6/4/2012 5:17:08 PM

you're catchin on

6/4/2012 6:08:55 PM