Transmission question...would you buy?

[Mike Compton]

I have had three SHO's in the past...the last was about 5 years ago.
I would really like to get another one. I was looking on CL and found this ad.

1994 Ford Taurus SHO, has 136,*** miles, new tires, brakes done 2 years ago. Engine is in great shape, hot heat, cold A/C. Clean title in hand. Automatic transmission needs to be taken in to have shift points adjusted or a new shift sensor installed. Transmission is not blown and is still drivable for short distances just has issues with shifting but is a simple fix. I would recommend putting in a used transmission in for $350, it is cheaper than having it repaired. Asking $800 OBO, engine alone is worth more than that.

My question is what do you think about the transmission comments. I dont think I could get a used transmission in for $350 could I? I have never messed with Transmission work...but I have done all kinds of other work on my own...short of replacing an engine or rebuilding one...so I am guessing that I would have to pay someone to replace a transmission...and I would guess that is alot more than $350.

I am on a tight budget right now...so buying a remanufactured or upgraded one is not an option right now.

Thanks for any help...

 

[Bob Gervais]

For $800 with trans problems, the rest of the car better be in perfect condition.

I'm sure you could find a trans for $350, but it'd be of questionable quality.

As for the adjusting shift points and the shift sensor comments, is the seller talking about replacing the VSS? How does the car drive?

Needless to say, "SHO with a bad trans" and "tight budget" are normally not used in a sentence together.

 

[93rev2sev]

For $350...I'd recommend a new trans too.

LOL...$350...


I think the first step (in the book) to replace the VSS is "Remove engine" - that could be why he thinks a new trans will be less trouble. There's folk here say the VSS can be done in about an hour but it IS quite difficult. In other words, removing the engine to replace the VSS may take MORE labor hours than just swapping the trans. And he'd be right.

In any event, if you own a SHO, you should have a spare trans in the shed, period.

 

[sho'noffmtx]

ive done a vss in car and it can be done in an hr but a second person is a must!

 

[RAYJAY]

For $350...I'd recommend a new trans too.

LOL...$350...


I think the first step (in the book) to replace the VSS is "Remove engine" - that could be why he thinks a new trans will be less trouble. There's folk here say the VSS can be done in about an hour but it IS quite difficult. In other words, removing the engine to replace the VSS may take MORE labor hours than just swapping the trans. And he'd be right.

In any event, if you own a SHO, you should have a spare trans in the shed, period.

how about 3 to 4 of them .......

 

[rubydist]

my first thought is the vss also. you should also note that there is no "taken in to adjust shift points" as a possible choice.

 

[SHOtimer]

I'd offer $400.00 bux...and replace the VSS, if your lucky it will fix it. If not you can still afford a rebuilt tranny, don't put in a used one. Waste of time.

Doug

 

[JRA2000TL]

My first SHO was a 93 ATX; unless you know it's something simple or you know that it has had a quality rebuild recently, I wouldn't fool with them. Like they said, it's not worth much. ATX SHOs don't command as high of value, an ATX SHO with a broken ATX = damn near worthless.

The trannies just cost too much to do a quality rebuild job. You can cut corners and buy the "$350" transmission, but how many times do you want to R&R that?

If these guys think it's just the VSS, you might be ok; but otherwise, I wouldn't fool with it. Too much time, $, and energy--but then again, I'm lazy.

 

[Mike Compton]

Thanks guys...I am going to pass...
I talked to the guy through email a couple of times...and he just has in his head that the engine alone is worth $800 and thinks he is sitting on the next secretly undiscovered lost collector car of the future.

I have not driven it, but he said inside was pretty rough etc...so I am passing.

Some day I will find myself another couple SHO's. I want an MTX and my wife wants an ATX...even my son wants one...so now its that time where I have to be patient and not just jump at anything that looks like a SHO...

 

[Mike Compton]

Just noticed I should change my signature....lol.

 

[SVOFANATIC]

Get your wife to drive MTX lol

 

[Mike Compton]

yeah...wont happen.
I had a 99 cougar mtx and could not get her behind the wheel of that for anything.
she doesnt like to drive, she just wants to steer.

 

[rubydist]

lol, at least she will steer - that's better than 30% of the females I see behind the wheel - they just want to apply makeup.....

the engine is worth about $300-400 in the car, hence the suggested offer of $400 by others above.