I recently had a trans issue with no drive. I was informed that it could be due to low transmission fluid, failed CVT that does not drive.
I recently bought the fluid to do a drain and refill. There was no signs of metal in the drained fluid, and was slightly brown as it was due for a change.
I had it towed to a local dealer that gave me an excessive price to repair, over 8K for a re-man, and 12.6K for a new. I know for a fact this is a rip-off as other private shops quoted me significantly less for the repair, using a new or used trans, about half this cost (at the high price points)

I have a photo they sent me along with other photos they took "of my car" that seemed very questionable to say the least. I've been under my car many times and what they sent me was equivalently of a car that resides ocean side and suseptible to much corrosion and such, but the car has never resided ocean side and I've never seen this under my own car. Which leads me here for inquiry.

That being said, the fluid was drained and replaced with fresh fluid by myself, and that did not resolve my CVT issue.
The service center (authorized dealership) sent me this photo of the drained fluid, presumably from my own vehicle.

I would like your thoughts on this ordeal, as I am calling around town to get the best quote to repair this vehicle. Is this indicative of "fresh" drained CVT fluid in the photo? When I drained my fluid it was slightly brown as usual of other times I've changed it, as it being due for a change, though the last change was under 20Kmi... I did not see any metal fragments in the fluid what-so-ever, and the drain plug magnet had hardly any metal stuck to it when I removed it. VERY LITTLE. I mean hardly any (mag dust). I've changed several times in the past and had normal collection on the magnet, but this time was even less than normal before I took it into the shop.

Again I would like some honest thoughts on my situation, and possibly some advise on best plan of action. I understand there are some dealers and repair facilities that will make things up and paint a horrible picture in hopes that you either trade-in or abandon the vehicle to them.

Thank you all for your feedback!





This was clean fluid drained after dealer service center "diagnostics".