Prices for gearbox repairs- what sounds reasonable?

[smillward]

Hi

I am getting a bit confused by the variation in prices to get my gearbox repaired or reconditioned and wondered what anyone thought. I have one quote from Premier Transmissions in Birmingham for £495 fully fitted for a reconditioned gearbox, yet another place would want around £1600 for the same. Have seen other prices varying from around £700 to over £1k. Obviously the £495 sounds great and it comes with 12 month/24000miles warranty but should I be a little sceptical at this price or does it sound ok, should I just take advantage of their great price? Even second hand boxes from braking cars are about £400 on average

Any thoughts appreciated

 

[TomSx]

"Fully reconditioned" for £495.00 that's just a second hand box surely. You cannot make money getting hold of a box, reconditioning and labour for that money.

Edit, a quick companies house check shows they aren't doing very well.

I paid £1500.00 odd for a full rebuild with fitting etc and VAT. Rebuild was £950 ish, labour was £300 plus VAT

 

[pluves1]

If something looks too cheap it usually means it's cheap for a reason.

It's not clear from the website whether you are buying a reconditioned box or your box will be reconditioned. The £495 is exc vat as well.

Best bet is to find a good local specialist where you can visit and speak face to face to find out exactly what you're getting. You choose to either recondition your existing gearbox or buy a 'reconditioned' one to replace yours. As with everything it pays to shop around and don't necessarily go for the cheapest quote.

 

[TomSx]

Gearboxes are definitely a do it once, do it right item..lol

 

[desertstorm]

Also says on the website they will quote you over the phone and 90% of the time it will be correct. You can bet that any quote you get you will be one of the unfortunate 10%. I suspect there idea of fully reconditioned is a steam clean, indeed it may not even be that good.
There is nothing wrong with sourcing and fitting low mileage gearboxes and a lot of the time it's a more viable thing to do but I suspect you would end up paying for a recon box but get a second hand one. And they would probably just fob you off if you tried to claim on the warranty.
Sounds to me like the name they are using probably causes confusion with A1 premier transmissions who look like a bone fide proper operation.

http://www.a1premiertransmissions.co.uk/

 

[TomSx]

When I was looking at second hand boxes it looked like I could save £250 but then who knows what it could cost in the long run.

 

[david7m]

Where are you?

Give Mids VW a call.

Dave

 

[smillward]

Hello, thank you for all the replies. Think I will give them a miss, was suspicious and you guys have reinforced those suspicions. Am still playing with the idea of a second hand box. I am in Gloucestershire but willing to travel a bit if it is a good deal.

 

[Ady786]

Im in the same predicament im looking for a gearbox for my a3 1.9tdi a recon is well over £1000 thinking of getting a low milage second hand one but its still the best part of £500

 

[pluves1]

Also says on the website they will quote you over the phone and 90% of the time it will be correct. You can bet that any quote you get you will be one of the unfortunate 10%. I suspect there idea of fully reconditioned is a steam clean, indeed it may not even be that good.
There is nothing wrong with sourcing and fitting low mileage gearboxes and a lot of the time it's a more viable thing to do but I suspect you would end up paying for a recon box but get a second hand one. And they would probably just fob you off if you tried to claim on the warranty.
Sounds to me like the name they are using probably causes confusion with A1 premier transmissions who look like a bone fide proper operation.

http://www.a1premiertransmissions.co.uk/

These guys look like they know what they're doing from the feedback/reviews coming back from google.

 

[smillward]

Had a thought, even though this place sounds suspect, even IF they are supplying second hand as long as it works ok £495 fitted is still a good price, other used ones are around £500 plus need to get somewhere to fit it also...... but I still feel a little uneasy that they are not being fully honest from the start.

 

[desertstorm]

Thats if they honour the £495 price, you may find that will increase after they have your car and the work is done.

 

[TomSx]

Yep, you can bet your life the bill would increase. There is no way the job can be done for £495 using quality parts.

Also, looking at their website it looks like they charge £495 ex VAT for just supply not fit?

 

[T-800]

Slaters garage in Nottingham they are gearbox specialists.

 

[Premier Transmissions]

Hello there everyone , My name is Alex Jackson Manager of Premier Transmissions in Birmingham .

I know i`m dragging a old post back up but i thought id write to you guys just to see what we can do for you.

I've read the previous replies and i can honestly say that the price quoted is the price you will pay our prices can go lower but will not increase.

You are given a pro-forma invoice and terms and conditions before work is started and NO extra parts will be fitted without documents of approval is signed and verbal permission is given.

Il give you all just a brief description of process of the gearbox manufacturing we offer.

If you for instance bring the vehicle to us we offer a free fitting service removal and re fit .

We will open your original unit in front of you and examine for any damage .

All gearboxes under go a full strip and clean TIMKIN bearing change , with new synchros and seals as standard (Only genuine parts are used)

We can offer a single bearing change or a fully re-manufactured unit

we can also supply clutch kit and DMF`s customers are more than welcome to supply their own

Please take a look at our website or please get in touch with Myself on 0121 706 9149 if you have and questions or need and advice we are more than happy to help.
http://www.premiertransmissions.co.uk/web/

I hope this doesn't breach advertising rules i have spoken to Sandra and Adam so hopefully everything is above board

Many Thanks

Alex
Premier Transmissions