[irbf]

The fire breathing temptress is back on the road with a NEW GM transmission. We have been driving it now for six weeks without incident. I hope this is the end of the trauma.

There are a couple points to be made out of this incident and the reply message:

1.) I found it interesting that more than one person hearing of the incident proceeded (as expected) to tell me that I should have purchased a Lexus or Toyota. It was also interesting to hear in the same conversation where they had spent as much as I had, on a transmission, having the brakes repaired or rack-in-pinion replaced or other "common" squawks. Hmmm...unhappy about the transmission incident but no thanks, if I need brake or steering work completed, I can handle that in my garage.

2.) Yes Buicks have abhorrant resale value (as most cars do). There is an opportunity in this...to all you NEW Park Avenue, Lesabre and Regal purchasers, thank-you...thank-you...thank-you! To others, treat yourself to a two year old Park Avenue that someone else has taken a depreciation beating on (hope they were able to write it off...). A few years ago I purchased used a Suburban that sold new for $47K. It is diesel, 4WD, Michelins, has all the options and at three years old it was obtained for $18K. Run the math...does'nt take a rocket scientist.

3.) With regard to GM and their responsibility in this event, the old transmission is undergoing an autopsy. I want to be fair; I purchased this car used and do not know how it was treated. However, working for a tier one supplier, as an engineer, I can assure you I have access to the tools and people to get to the bottom of the problem. If the fault lies with GM, I will provide the evidence and expect that they make good on the transmission...

So...in conclusion look for a good deal on a used Buick of your dreams and enjoy it...if you spend a couple grand on a repair, too bad but take solace that at least your not the poor sap paying that for "common" repairs to a more "reliable" car and someone else took the depreciation beating.

P.S. With regard to the "clunk" when the engine/transmission is warm, it sounds like the torque converter locking as it normally does. I hear the same clunk and think that it could be reduced through design. I wonder if you do not have a bad engine mount...