[carolina1681]

I have a 99 new beetle with 190,000miles
This week,took it to a local auto repair shop.The transmission is a automatic it needs to be replaced.I'm considering selling due to the fact that,at this point I might as well put an engine in it.
Since,I've had enough fun thru the years,but I'm considering.buying a Mazda protege and sell the bug as is.
Just how long does a 2.0 gas engine last?
Thx
Cindy

 

[Smileybug]

The engine can go for a long time, especially if its well maintained. The auto trans is really the downfall of them. But nearly 200k is a pretty good run.

What is going on with the trans? You might just need a valve body replacement. Still not really very cheap, but much cheaper than a new trans.

 

[jfoj]

Valve body replacement should be in the area of $750-$1100 on the high end if this is all that is wrong.

But it sound like you were able to get your use out of the car anyway.

 

[carolina1681]

here's more info
im on my computer,now
the reason why I took the bug to the shop:
the car would have to be warmed up to prevent the transmission from shifting hard-in the morning and when it sat all day--the shop put in 1 qt of trans fluid.
after driving 15 miles,I would hear a whirling noise from the front end in sync with the speed of engine and tires. At one point could feel vibrations in steeling wheel---the shop does not do transmission work,so they recommended another shop for repair/replacement.
the bug was driven from the shop to my brothers house,which is close by and now resides next to his shop,til I decide what to do.
Thx for your replies,they are helpful

 

[red99]

Has the transmission ever been overhauled or had the valve body replaced? It would be pretty amazing for one of these to go 190,000 miles without major service.

 

[carolina1681]

never had any major work done ,just change the transmission fluid every 3 yrs

 

[red99]

Remarkable. A testament to the value of regular fluid changes in an automatic transmission.

 

[Smileybug]

My mechanic has a TDI with a dead auto with 275k on it. Not sure of fluid changes. These transmissions *can* go for awhile, but its really a crap shoot.

 

[esse10]

tranny fluid

never had any major work done ,just change the transmission fluid every 3 yrs

Maybe that's where u went wrong you changed the tranny fluid too many times. I have yet to change my tranny fluid even once and i'm up to 192k miles now,(still shifts normal with no problems). Well I only drive the car on weekends now.