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My 2001 Civic EX will pause after putting it into drive and the speed keeps resetting as I'm driving. Check engine light recently came on (after the symptoms had already been happening). I got it towed to a transmission specialist and he says it needs to be replaced for a several grand. At first I wanted to get it towed to the dealership for a second opinion, but after reading about how common this problem is and my symptoms, it really sounds like that's indeed the case. Of course, I run the risk of the dealer being more expensive with the same diagnosis and possible towing expenses. I already paid this mechanic $200 to check and change the transmission fluid, but this could go toward the final work. With this admittedly-incomplete information, what would YOU do, if you can answer with anything?

As an aside, thanks for this community. I made this account for this question but I've been lurking before and I plan on sticking around to contribute.

 
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If it needs a trans, it needs a trans.

If you have it dragged to a dealer and you just tell them to put a trans in it, there shouldn't be any checkout fees...and no guarantee the work you dictate will solve your problem.

Call and get the dealership estimate for a trans first......and if you explain your situation they might even consider covering the tow truck fee to pick it up from the other shop just to get your car in and install the transmission.
My dealer has a guy that moves cars around several days a week with a company truck and trailer.

Is the car even worth spending 3 grand(?) on? How much other work$$$ does it need?
Many people decide that money is better spent on a newer car.......that's one reason so many of these find their way into the junkyards.

You need to find out what sort of trans your guy wants to install, what the warranty coverage and terms are......before considering the cost. A warranty good only at that shop is kinda useless if you break down in another city. A tow truck fee for an out of town tow is never cheap.


Most reliable IMO is Honda Reman through a dealership....It is what most dealers will install and will probably have a 3yr/36,000 warranty covering parts AND LABOR, good at any Honda dealer in the nation.

We only look elsewhere when someone wants cheaper.
That said....

My second choice would be a reman trans from H and A transmission, the units I have installed have been problem free thus far AFAIK. IDK about their warranty program and details, it may be on their website.

The reliable quality choices stop here IMO.

Second from last choice is Jasper IMO. The few times our shop dealt with a Honda trans from them it was a poopshow. Maybe others had better luck, but we won't use them again for a Honda trans.

Last choice IMO is local shop rebuilding your original unit. Reliability/longevity/warranty is always questionable. Our local trans shop is great with most of the Big 3 work but they won't rebuild Hondas anymore, too many didn't win.