And dont mention Auto trans. durability is everything here because it is difficult to have an Auto Trans repaired for anything under $4K which relegates most 10 year old models to the scrap heap (economic wrecks)
Ford had/has an issue with autos in their European sourced models between 2009-2013 and trans O/Hs on these models start at $4K even though the problem arises out of internal plastic disentegrating and fouling the valve body.
In Europe, independant mechanics remove the valve bodym clear it our, test/replace solonoids as necessary and reassemble for about 100 Euros but here, like repairs to a diesel fuel injection pump, specialists will give you the full Monty!
As an aside, I had a very slight diesel lak from the head of my diesel fuel injector pump recently and I was quoted $1500 & $1650 to cure it (pump O/H)
Luckily I did know a bit about diesel engines so I located a parts supplier and bought the pump head gasket (an "o" ring type) for $7.70 and my local mechanic fitted it for $54 incl GST!
IMO, it may be the same with some Auto Trans issues !
