2001 Sebring Transmission Failure - Need help

Hi, my buddy has a 2001 Chrysler Sebring, auto transmission, six cylinder 3
liter engine w/ 58,000 miles.
It is well maintained and always serviced according to schedule.
YHesterday, 58,000 miles, the auto transmission
fails (car stops moving) and it is towed to a Chrysler dealer who tells him
the transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of $7,000.00. This a well
maintained car w/ 58k miles. The car was never abused or driven hard. What
can explain a transmission failure a 58K miles?

Anything the guy can do to save a few bucks on the repair? Is there a
transmission recall for this car?

Thanks,

Mike

 

That $7K for a transmission seems a bit ridiculous. Definitely not the
route I'd take. I would expect no more that $2k for a rebuilt one.
You could scrap it and buy a used 2006 10K-15K leased one for about $12k,
assuming you want another Sebring.
Or take a chance on a used transmission from the wreckers and
immediately trade the Sebring for a properly designed car.

We are well maintaining my wife's same model & yr Sebring; here's hoping
this isn't typical. She's only at 30K miles.
Oh my between that engine wrecking itself because of sludge and the
transmission failures I'll definitely avoid buying another similar
design.