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I did further research and found pristine rebuilt transmissions on various sites for anywhere from $1200-$1600. I'm a small business person myself and I respect other small businesses (apparent young ambitious family like myself) and try to patronize as much as possible even when they're being obviously on the higher end in cost as long as it's not really exorbitant. I also understand fully that good work and attention to detail cost a bit extra.
I was quoted just over $1500 for labor to do the transmission swap with me purchasing the unit so I decided to get it done.
I was impressed with how quickly they called once I decided to inform me that the transmission was taken out and I have 'other issues' that caused my transmission to fail, namely rusted cooler lines and a rusted out radiator. I was busy with work so I replied to Claire that I needed time to process the info and I will get back to her with a decision.
I'm aware of the rusted lines but I personally with my own two hands replaced the water pump and radiator new from auto zone not even two years ago!
It was the weekend so on Monday I visited the shop just to validate the additional $1200 charge that brought my new balance to $1900. Did I mention that I paid $800 cash deposit? Luckily I held on to the balance which In good faith I almost paid them then and there (I'm a foreigner and our culture is just totally different, so I can be quite liberal with trust but that's changing)
Matt (employee) directed me to my car that was literally parked in a puddle of mud (I have pics) to go see the rusted cooler lines. I told him I'm aware of the lines but I only wanted to see what the issue was with the radiator. I showed him the fan clutch wrench in the package barely used that I used not even two years prior to change the water pump and radiator. His attitude changed immediately. He's telling me I should come back when Claire comes in (maybe) tomorrow (Tuesday). I requested my keys to just take my vehicle to another shop because I was through with wasting time and the stupid games that they couldn't concur that I had long since indicated to them that I was not interested in playing.Of course he refused and attempted to hold my car hostage. I told him to check his receipts to see that I don't owe them (in fact they should refund me partially).
To sum it up I had to call the police to get my key and transmission to take to a transparent honest shop with people with integrity.