I normally charge $200 for the tranny oil change, but I get my fluid for $6.50 a liter (we have 2 dealerships in town; the other charges 2X as much). I still like 50-60K intervals, and I do not care what anyone else says, but the life of your engine and transmission is controlled by your fluid, and when your fluid breaks down or is too heavily contaminated, it will not provide the protection required to maintain its service life.

Wear in an engine and transmission is caused by friction, and excessive friction is caused by compromised fluid (coupled with poor designing, such as lack of lubrication, excessive loads, etc.); keep your fluids changed on a regular basis (I tell my customers 5000-7500 miles with synthetic, 2500-3000 miles with conventional oils) -- this is the most important rule in car longevity, keep the fluids changed and topped off (well, that and put gas in it, but people figure that out pretty quickly). Do this, and I guarantee you a very long life with your engine and transmission mechanically (unless overheated, etc... you know what I mean).

I have talked to some of the best dedicated rebuilders in the country on this tranny series... they say two things: "No, we do not have any spare parts available" (this transmission tosses the torrington bearing between the sun gear and front of the output shaft, and it tears EVERYTHING up), and "Keep the fluids clean; change fluids often". Now while the transmission may have a good average when not changing the fluid, it is not that expensive to change it out when comparing cost-per-mile, and there are no consequences I am aware of to changing fluid out too frequently.

Will post about warning signs later.

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Don't ask me, I'm a shop-owner by default