OK, my civic EX automatic tranny is gone. I need to make a decision.

I paid $5K for the car 2 years ago with 106K miles. KBB says this car w/ 150K miles, in excellent condition would have a person-to-person price of $3,200.

A Jasper Tranny with 3 yr warranty installed will be $3,300.
Syncrotech is about $1,300 with shipping,
local JY is about $75.
I would have to install the last 2 options. I found a 2002 and a 2005 at pull-a-part yards. Still have to research AT or MT, miles, condition, access, etc...

Let's hear some suggestions.

2ndly does anyone know a way to check the digital odometer without a key?

 

IMO it is all about risk. And risk is equal to probability x consequence.

I agree that the new tranny is out...not worth the $$. The JY is the way to go IMO if you have the time to rebuild it...I have never done that but my understanding is that it is fairly advanced work. However, if you have the time I think you would save some serious $$ - the risk is if it doesn't turn out right. Need to ask the pros on here and other forums for advice on the rebuild.

If you're in a hurry and just need something reliable, IMO the Syncrotech is the way to go. I'm biased because I have one and my experience was good. However, the syncrotech seems a bit high...are you able to ship it to a UPS freight location? I would ask them if they can knock off $50 too - they were really cool about that.

I understand your pain, bro. Been there. I was lucky and it threw the code and I drove it softly for 1 month while I put a plan in place.

 

If you have the money, get the Syncrotech one. But something to remember.. Junkyard cars are usually there because they got in a crash. Chances are the transmission was running before the accident.

 

If I went the JY route, I was going to look for a wreck and maybe an 03 or newer, and cross my fingers. I need a way to check mileage with no key and no battery. I thought I had one too. 2005 EX civic was posted on my closest pull-and-save. I called them and the Engine and Tranny were gone already. That was the car!

I don't want to crack into an AT to rebuild, let the pros do that. The you-pull-it yards give you a 30 day warranty, so if it did not work, I could jerk it back out and get the money back. Time is gone, but $ can be returned, then keep looking or go with synchotech.

I am lucky on the cars-to-drive situation. I have 2 antique cars that I have been driving. Gave my kid my SUV. So I can take my time and DIY if I want to.

 

If you have cars to drive you're golden. Good point on the JY working right away, hadn't thought of that. I will throw out one more option that you may not have considered - have you called around to see what some local shops would charge for the rebuild if you brought yours to them? I realize the pull and install is probably not a huge part of their cost but it may be worth a couple phone calls.

If you decide to swap it out, let me know and I can try and give you some more tips. Here's one - get the frigging bearing code off the bell housing while you're in there in case you ever need to change your main bearings! I wish I had done that when I swapped mine.