Cost of new transmission

[RayeAlmighty]

I paid $250 for a 1.9 Manual 96 Escort. A/C works, looks nice, pretty nice car for $250, but it needs a new transmission or it might need rebuilt. Is it worth it for this car.....what is the cheapest I can get this done for. I just went to some shop that told me it is not worth fixing, but then wanted to buy it with cash right there. I dont know to trust them or if they are trying to screw me.....HELP PLEASE....

[RayeAlmighty]

The car drives fine....it has alot of power...just leaks black fluid and I hear and feel knocking under the hood...does that sound like it needs a new one or no?

[GTP Dad]

If it is knocking under the hood it can be a lot of things. Usually problems with the transmission will be an inability to shift into gear, coming out of gear while accelerating, high pitched whine, stuck in gear and etc. If it is knocking then it is probably in the engine. It could be a rod bearing. The black fluid you see is probably oil coming from somewhere but I doubt it is coming from a manual transmission.
If you need an engine I found one in Hickman, KY for $500 with 68K miles. Can't rebuild one for that much money. Transmission about $350 depending on when the car was manufactured. If the knocking gets worse you may consider the replacing it. Good Luck!

[jeffescortlx]

Bring it to a different shop. Find out exsactly what the noise fluid is. Around here you can buy a used good tranny for about $250. But to have a shop put it in will run about $600. Might as well put in a new clutch to, add $200.