How to choose a good used transaxle. Ideas?

[orange4boy]

Wreckers! I should know better. I got there today to find a 2007 engine and transaxle. He didn't know about the different generations. So I have to take the ferry back into town tomorrow because he is bringing one in. For sure a 2003 and this one apparently has 75000 K on it. He gave me a deal on the 03 for my trouble though. We'll see how it looks tomorrow.

[bwilson4web]

Checkout Tom's photos from swapping the transaxle. He has shown exactly what needs to be done and it is so simple:

1. Remove inverter and stuff on top
2. Lift car front
3. Remove steering assembly
4. Remove wheels and axles
5. Put dolly under transaxle
6. Loosen and drop down

Much easier than the whole engine assembly!

Bob Wilson

[orange4boy]

Called ahead this morning to the wrecker. Same B.S. They brought in a 2005. Now he wants more money to look for another one. Bwaahaahaahaa... That guy's a comedian.

I found another transaxle in Edmonton for $1000 which is the high end of the price range but this one apparently has only 19000 Km on it. Almost new. Considering that if problems occur with these they show up at 150,000km, I think it's worth the extra $$ to get this one. Shipping would be $90 to Vancouver.

Started taking the car apart starting with the cowl and wipers. So far,a joy. Simple to disassemble and well thought out. A bit of a mess though as it catches all manner of organic debris.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by orange4boy

...I found another transaxle in Edmonton for $1000 which is the high end of the price range but this one apparently has only 19000 Km on it. Almost new. Considering that if problems occur with these they show up at 150,000km, I think it's worth the extra $$ to get this one...

Yes, that would be a great buy as long as it really is from a Classic and not 2G as was the case with the other transaxles offered to you.

There were only 53K Classic shipped to the US. My guess is that Canada might have 5K or fewer of that model. So it may not be easy (or cheap) to obtain good salvage parts...

[bwilson4web]

Originally Posted by orange4boy

. . .
Started taking the car apart starting with the cowl and wipers. So far,a joy. Simple to disassemble and well thought out. A bit of a mess though as it catches all manner of organic debris.

Uh oh. You may want to drop the glove compartment and pull out the cabin air filter. Stuff from the cowl goes down the air inlet and is stopped by the cabin filter.

Bob Wilson

[orange4boy]

Main battery is at two bars.

Don't know why I didn't think about just looking at the MFD with the car on.

[orange4boy]

Transaxle is from a 2001 for sure. They sent me the VIN of the car it came from. Hmmm, I could do a record search on it to be sure.

They are sending it today so it may get here before the weekend. 101 day satisfaction guarantee not including shipping or labour.

Excellent to deal with so far. Helpful, friendly and up front. Galaxies away from that local import place.

It will be a breeze to change the tranny oil! Once it gets here, I'll start the install thread.