[SpartyOn]

It could just be some stuck solenoids. I'd get a full trans flush, make sure they fill it correctly (seriously, check to verify yourself based on my recent experience), and pull the ECM, PCM, and TCM fuses for 30 minutes to reset all of the computers.

That will undo the learned adapts and the flush might clear up enough gunk from a solenoid to do its thing.

I'd at least try a fluid change before just writing off a transmission.

 

[SpartyOn]

So it was as expected. The transmission needs to be replaced. I took it to the dealer who quoted $6,700 CAD for a reman transmission and said they would knock off 10% and credit the diagnostic fee of $179 towards the job. That would make it $6,000 with a 3 year warranty. I found a local transmission company that would rebuild the transmission for $4,000 with a 1 year warranty. They could also do a reman transmission for $4,800 with a 3 year warranty. A couple of problems with this:

1) It could be 2-4 weeks before the reman transmission is available. How bad is the rebuild option? The rebuild can be done in a week to 10 days.

2) The car is probably worth $20,000 in good operating condition. My wife drove into a cement wall a month ago. I imagine the body repair cost is around $3,000. So the car is probably worth $12,000 in its current condition. I’d be spending $8,000 including body repair on a car that’s currently worth $12,000. OUCH! I am going to get the dealer to make me an offer. Regardless I think repairing it makes sense?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but with that mileage, a trashed transmission, and body damage, no dealer or used car place is going to give you $12,000.

 

[SpartyOn]

I agree. Probably more like $6-7k. Dealer is just going to ship it out to the auto auction.

For giggles, I looked into what two dealerships would give me on a trade two weeks ago. Based on what they tried to offer me; mind you, this with a fully-functioning, well-maintained 2014 SLT-1 FWD (good Michelin tires, Bilstein suspension, recent fluid changes, panoramic sunroof, and tow package) — albeit higher mileage (108,000); I think he would be lucky to get $5,000 from a dealer.

They offered me ~$10,000. I laughed and walked out the door.

I would put the least expensive rebuilt transmission in it with a 1 year / unlimited mileage warranty, repair the body damage, and sell it. Someone will still want that car for $15,000-$18,000 and then you're plus some $$$.