Replacing automatic transmission on 2007 Polo

[Doogsta]

Hi
We have a 2007 Volkswagen Polo, purchased from a dealer in Melbourne late last year with 133,000Kms for $7,000. The automatic transmission started slipping especially changing from 1st to 2nd, worse in traffic.
Expecting the worst we took it to a VW dealer for inspection and have been told it needs a new transmission, est cost $13,000!! Too rich for us, wondering what the costs are for reconditioned transmissions? Are they reliable/worth it? Are there any other options to consider?

Thanks for any help

[Umai Naa!!]

Drive-in/drive-out rebuilt transmissions are around the $4,000 mark for VW passenger cars.

Alternatively, you could try a used gearbox and hope for the best.

[simon k]

I'd give it a fluid change first, I don't ever trust what dealers say... talk to an independent auto transmission specialist


but if it is stuffed, a wrecker will give you a 3 month warranty - drop it in with fresh & good quality fluid and if it fails they'll give you another one to try

[seangti]

I'd follow Simon K's approach - fluid first, than source from wrecker if needed. Worse case is a gearbox from the wrecker and day to swap DIY. Wouldn't have thought not much more than $500 from a wrecker, not like they are in demand or useful to anyone else.

We don't get many non-gti people in these threads. Have not heard of any issues with the auto.

Pending your preference, if you can drop the gearbox yourself you could consider a rebuild. Though pending what's damaged it'll set you back much more than a wrecker job. I had an LSD installed in my car, exlcuding the LSD cost and I dropped the box off, it was roughly a $1000 in labour and $400 in parts (new seals, ARP bolts for LSD).