To Repair 1990 Audi 100 vs Change Cars (Einhorn Hofmann)

[TWFAUST at aol.com]

As others have mentioned, we have had the job done for less. Since I  
assume you are talking in Canadian sums, that might explain some difference.  
Nonetheless, with the age of your car a "repair" is not in order. You need a  
full rebuild kit. You should insist on it. An experienced guy should have  no 
problem estimating a full rebuild kit. And, he is right, the old 087 is a  
very straight forward transmission. Internal mechanical parts which are 
actually  broken are another story. But, your symptoms are typical.
 
 "best case its going to need a couple of clutches and seals.." that  can 
be assumed, but they are in the rebuild kit. I hope he doesn't plan to  
re-assemble using old seals. Even assuming a currency differential, $1500 should  
get a full rebuild, less would not surprise me.  I just looked at the  
exchange rate, $1500 Canadian is about $1050 American, so maybe it is not so far 
 off. But, you are paying Canadian dollars for Canadian work. I would keep  
shopping, bearing in mind that you do not need the latest "high tech" 
tranny  shop. I have my tranny work done by a guy who is notoriously shabby and 
his  workshop archaic, but I have never heard anyone complain. 
 
I can sympathize with your doubts. My last 100 I remember as underpowered  
with poorer gas mileage than a Lincoln I had before. But, still a very nice  
car.
 
Tom Faust