🚀 go-pugleaf

Maybe this problem doesn't deserve the "woe" label, but I'm not mechanically
inclined and I could use some advice.

Two weeks ago, I noticed my car slipping out of first gear into neutral
when I was driving slowly (such as in stop-and-go-type traffic where I
don't get out of first gear).

Then, one day as I was backing up, the car locked up and jerked around
just as I was fully engaging the reverse gear.  I tried again, it happened
again and I had to use some force to get the stick out of the reverse
position.  The third try I was able to engage reverse successfully.  Later
that day I had the same problem getting into first gear.

I took the car to the nearest dealer, SF Auto Center.  They gave me two
options: replace the exchange unit ($3000) or rebuild the transmission
($2100-$2800).  I asked if there was any more information about the cause of
the problem, but the answer was "not until we take the transmission apart
to see what's wrong."

This sounded reasonable but expensive so I checked with the only other
Saab mechanics I've used, B&B in Santa Clara (also a dealer).  They
confirmed that the costs I'd been quoted were normal.

Now for the plea for advice...

Am I really in a hopeless situation, or should I bring my car to a
transmission specialist who might have a cheaper fix?  I would love
to receive reccomendations for such a mechanic in San Francisco or nearby.

Thanks!


Dylan


--
Dylan Salisbury
http://alumni.cse.ucsc.edu/~dylan/
"Time ain't money when all you got is time" - Greg Brown