My 2004 Ion (V4, 94000 mi) had its transmission go out. Evidently, a new one is $4500.

Is it worth replacing? Can I get a different transmission to work in it? Should I get a used one off Craigslist? Are there any other issues that I should know?

Thanks.

 

I'm guessing it has the VTi transmission, a CVT, right?

I would not buy a used VTi transmission, especially from craigslist... If yours is dead at 94k miles, how long would another used one last? The best direct replacement option is a new VTi trans, which would likely cost more than the value of the car, assuming its in mint condition otherwise... You still have options though...

1.
Can you drive a stick? There are lots of Getrag F23 transmissions in circulation, and lots of wrecked IONs could source a transmission, clutch, and all the electronics/linkages you could need for the conversion from auto to manual...

2.
Some 04-05 IONs were equipped with another type of automatic transmission, the Aisin AF23, which is a traditional type, five speed automatic transmission, and much more durable an the VTi that you already have... There is a sticky on this site that contains all the information you need to make the swap happen, if you so desire, and there is a link to the thread to save you the trouble of looking at the top of the page...
https://www.saturnforum.com/forum/sa...ion-swap-6484/

3.
All of the 06-07 IONs were equipped with the corporate GM-made 4T45 transmission, which is a four-speed unit, used across many platforms... I would imagine a swap could be made to happen, but I'm not sure how to get it done... Some research would be in order... I imagine electronics from an 06-07 car would be a start...

 

I have 2 automatics (af23 and 4t45e) and 1 F23.
All have around 150k give or take on em.


$300 for any of them. If youd want the manual id include everything needed for the swap for $400


I am in Southern Louisiana.