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Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:14 am

You may have seen my post with rear axle problems on our 91 Vanagon with an automatic transmission in the last week. Our mechanic is recommending a new transmission. What is your opinion of new versus used? We are likely to sell the van once fixed due to new job & travel constraints, although I really hate to part with it. It has been a ton of fun for camping!

Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:16 am

I think you answered your own question when you said you would be selling the van.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:44 am

don't spend any more money on it, get it towed home, and list it for sale on the Samba classifieds and craigslist. Let the new owner deal with it. You won't get back any money you sink into it now, and the new owner may be able to fix it themselves, and you both will be ahead of the game.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:02 pm

By "new" do you mean "rebuilt"?
If not, where are you locating "NEW" transmissions?

I would need to see the physical condition of the van to make a judgement on what it is worth, but if the rust is minimal and it has a complete interior, fixing the van will get you more $ than selling it broken, needing to be towed.

A good used transmission should be under $500. I sell complete auto boxes with the torque converter and axel half shafts for $375. I am in NY, so shipping would add about $150-$200 to the West Coast.

If you have no interest in the van anymore offer it up on the Vanagon email list. Many there as well here on the Samba are looking for cost effective vans neding work, as they would be doing the labor themselves.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:17 pm

I thought he was close to home in North Carolina, so ya I guess it could be expensive to get it towed home rather than fix it on the road and drive it home.