How long should an automatic transmission last?

[dcarrb]

Aside from the SVX, the only high-mileage car I've owned with an automatic (a 1968 Mustang with a 289 and C4 auto) lost third gear somewhere over 100,000 miles, and I drove it another 100K on a $195 reman.

So with all the understandable preoccupation here about transmission failure, I got to wondering how long a modern, well-designed, well-maintained, sensibly-driven automatic should last. 150,000 miles? 200,000?

dcb

[Manarius]

My car has 176k on the original tranny. I would think that the SVX transmission post 1994, without being flogged, would last a while if given a cooler and the fluid changed regularly. Probably over 200k. Some guys here have done that already.

As for another car other than the SVX, I would surmise they would last just as long given the statements I gave above. Maybe not necessarily a cooler, but lack of flogging and fluid change come to mind.

[subeman90]

I think 150k and up is borrowed time but I know I'd like to see them go 200k without issue.

Even though I typically only buy stick shift cars.

[subi-crosser]

Originally Posted by dcarrb

Aside from the SVX, the only high-mileage car I've owned with an automatic (a 1968 Mustang with a 289 and C4 auto) lost third gear somewhere over 100,000 miles, and I drove it another 100K on a $195 reman.

So with all the understandable preoccupation here about transmission failure, I got to wondering how long a modern, well-designed, well-maintained, sensibly-driven automatic should last. 150,000 miles? 200,000?

dcb

I get about 50k when I treat them like this (Search u tube for 47 Dodge Burnout)

[svx_commuter]

My SVX has about 290k on it First time I pulled the pan for service it had 34xxx written inside. I assume it was rebuilt then.

I changed the AWD solenoid at about 130k and that's been it. I do change the fluid and clean the magnet every year. It does spend a lot of time driving on the highway with a locked up torque converter and I think both those help extend the life.

I change the external Suby filter every year.

I bought the SVX with 90k on it. I have dragged race some and road race at Pocono with this tranny. I think the "power flush" with the hose connection to change the fluid is not good. That magnet in the pan has to has to must get cleaned. Takes out all the metal fillings or powder from the clutch plate wear. After the magnet gets saturated it can't pull any more powder out of the ATF.

I also have used Lucas transmission additive and now I use Xcel plus trans additive and regular old dino ATF.

I also had a 91 Legacy with awd 4EAT. I got that with abot 120k and kept till 230k when the the TC started to lock-up in idle. That made it kind of hard to get into gear. Actually it was impossible to get into gear as the engine would stall. It was worse when it was cold out. I gave it to a friend and he drove it another 50k. I keep wondering if it would have lasted longer if I didn't miss my service that one year. My wife used this car and was driving about 25k per year.

I have a 93 Impreza LS now with 200k on it. Works fine.

I have 97 Chevy Astro AWD with 200k and that trans is doing okay. Had to replace the rear end on that though........it went to pieces.

I think droping the pan and draining the trans and cleaning the magnet is the way to get longer life.

[SVXMAN2001]

I am sure my 1990 Legacy is an anomalie, but I had 400k on that car with the original transmission. Had to donate it b/c it wouldn't pass inspection with the frame rust, had i known what i know now, i am more than certain that I could have saved it, oh well, it was a great car.

[LetItSnow]

Ask Accounting, and they'll tell you it should last (warranty+0.1) miles.

[Hocrest]

The 4EAT in my 97 Legacy lasted to 265k. The fluid was never changed, at least since I bought it with 40k. I beat on that car, redline shifts to 2nd were common and redline shifts to third were seen from time to time .

I also autocrossed that car for a few years. At the end it was still shifting fine, but had serious torque bind, the fuse did nothing, I had to pull the back half of the drive shaft. If I didn't have another trans on hand, I probably would have just swapped out the tail shaft.

[demonsvx]

Originally Posted by Hocrest

The 4EAT in my 97 Legacy lasted to 265k. The fluid was never changed, at least since I bought it with 40k. I beat on that car, redline shifts to 2nd were common and redline shifts to third were seen from time to time .

I also autocrossed that car for a few years. At the end it was still shifting fine, but had serious torque bind, the fuse did nothing, I had to pull the back half of the drive shaft. If I didn't have another trans on hand, I probably would have just swapped out the tail shaft.

Same here with my 92 legacy, bought it with 69k and havent changed the fluid since-212k now just add a little fluid every 9-10 months and it doesnt leak. Same thing with the engine oil change it whenever I feel like it doesnt burn any and only add half a quart about every 8-9k. Alt, brakes tires and CVs only thing I have fixed in 11 yearsWould buy another in a heartbeat as its never failed me.

[Hondasucks]

I've seen auto trannies make it to 250k and beyond with fluid and filter changes every 30,000 miles.

[Ron Mummert]

I took a '70 Olds Cutlass to 240K, & an '87 Chrysler GTS Turbo to 238K without a complaint, & neither ever had a "normal" fluid change. Both leaked however, & I just added pink juice when I noticed a slip. So much for Detroit junk.

Ron.