Hello all, I'd like opinions.
Background:
2014 Ford Focus, 34k miles.
The transmission sucks - there have been multiple recalls, and several warranty repairs. Repairs have covered both the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and the actual transmission pieces. Don't know details, wouldn't understand them if I did.
This car has had trans problems since very early on. Mostly rough shifting, a bit of slipping in low gears. (Ford lost a class action lawsuit because of these transmissions.)
Current issue:
Friday, the trans slipped, badly. The car decelerated abruptly, in traffic, while trying accelerate up to about 50-60mph. Slip happened around 40ish. Luckily there was enough space behind me there wasn't an accident. This was not the engine.
Saturday trans was rough, but no slips.
Didn't drive Sunday.
Monday was fine.
Warranty status:
The TCM is covered. The rest of the transmission is out of warranty.
Repair options:
1. Dealership - is pretty crappy. Openly told me that I'm a 2nd class customer because I didn't buy the car there (um, I didn't live in this state, what do you expect?!?). I can take the car there and it'll take 3-4 days for them to look at it.
2. Independent place - recommended by car guy neighbor, he's been going there for years.
Problem:
I need to get this checked out, obviously. If it's the TCM, then I will bite the bullet and have the dealership fix it since it's under warranty. If it's not the TCM, then I would prefer to avoid the dealership.
So, do I take the car to the dealership, or the independent place?
(I don't want to replace it right now, my life is interesting enough, and I want things to become significantly more boring before I deal with car shopping. Plus, it's a really low interest rate loan so I've just been paying the minimum to optimize. Financially, replacing it doesn't make sense unless I'm looking at a 4k+ repair.)