Jamie RamsayAs a female with limited car knowledge, I normally find repair shops too intimidating. I would even ask my brother to bring my car to the shop whenever I notice some issues.
One afternoon, I started hearing weird noises while driving alone, so I had to pull over to the nearest transmission repair shop. Good thing, these transmission pros know how to explain well, I didn’t have to call my brother for help!
So if you’re looking for trusted transmission repair pros that can help you be more confident on the road, continue reading this blog and find the best one for you.
How much does a transmission repair cost in Vancouver?
In Vancouver, a minor transmission repair may cost you around $300. Meanwhile, a full transmission rebuild may cost over $2,000.
How we chose:
1. Stan’s Transmission Centre Ltd.
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Diagnostic knowledge | 4.9/5 |
| Updated diagnostic tools | 4.9/5 |
| Advanced diagnostic training | 4.9/5 |
| Availability | 4.9/5 |
| Accurate estimated time of completion | 4.9/5 |
| Emergency services | 4.9/5 |
| Quality of parts | 4.6/5 |
| Accessibility | 4.6/5 |
There are times when we tend to ignore the signs that our car transmission’s about to fail us, just because we’re too afraid of paying crazy check-up fees.
That’s why we’re so glad to know that you can come to Stan’s Transmission Centre for a free diagnosis once you suspect that something’s wrong. Just bring your car to the shop, and a certified technician will fully inspect your car.
What we loved most about their comprehensive diagnosis is that they will make sure to check your car for other issues you might’ve missed. But don’t worry, upselling services was never part of their practice, so just sit back and relax while they do their work.
You’ll love that their workshop is huge enough to accommodate more than twenty cars. They even have eight lifts, allowing them to maximize the space, and ensure they meet the agreed turnover date.
So even if they’re working at full capacity, you can be assured that they can still accommodate you. If your car only needs minor repairs, you can just relax at their lounge anyway.
Meanwhile, if you don’t want to stay in their lounge, you can roam around their workshop to see what the repair guys are doing.
But like any other busy shops, you should watch out for tools and loose parts that you might step on to prevent any mishaps.
Provides a transparent report to clients
“The folks at Stan’s were so kind and helpful, showing me exactly what they had looked at under my vehicle to determine the source of the fluid leak I had. Highly recommend!”
Lauren Matthias, Google Review
Accommodates transmission modifications
“Broke my Mitsubishi Evo 7 GT-A auto transmission and I didn’t know where to take her to get fixed, or who’s good for these cars. Stan’s got recommended by a family friend, his BMW has had work done there. As a car enthusiast I had a few requests, use newer Evo 9 GT-A parts and modify the transmission to handle more power and shift quicker. These guys had no problem following my requests and at the end of the day my Evo shifts quick and smooth! Would recommend for a transmission repair and will come back for any other transmission modifications.”
Kostyantyn Halanets, Google Review
2. Bert’s Automotive Transmissions
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.1/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Diagnostic knowledge | 4.9/5 |
| Updated diagnostic tools | 4.9/5 |
| Advanced diagnostic training | 4.9/5 |
| Availability | 5/5 |
| Accurate estimated time of completion | 5/5 |
| Emergency services | 5/5 |
| Quality of parts | 4.6/5 |
| Accessibility | 4.8/5 |
Have you ever had different types of transmission repairs done, yet your car continues to malfunction? We’ve been a victim of misdiagnosis for countless times too, until we went to Bert’s Automotive Transmissions.
Here, we loved that they would initially ask for the car issues you’ve encountered. They didn’t even have to write them down, which shows their expertise.
Part of their comprehensive diagnosis is test driving your car. We loved how they took the time to double check the issues, observed possible strange noises, leaks, shifting delays, or even a burning smell from the transmission.
If you’re in a rush to have your car checked, or simply encountered an emergency transmission situation, you’ll love that this transmission repair shop accommodates same-day appointments!
In fact, they’re known for accepting car repairs even during holidays when almost several repair shops would decline. During the recent holiday, we had to bring our pickup truck, and they gladly accepted it.
Of course, we were informed that the turnaround time would be a little slower since they’ve got limited mechanics present, but that’s acceptable. Even better, they gave us a car loaner for five days so we have something to use while our car’s being serviced.
Takes time to explain the car’s problem and repair process
“I had a PERFECT experience in Bert’s Automotive Transmissions. I arrived there when they were almost closing, and even though they attended me very nicely! My gear wasn’t working well and they fixed it by the next the at lunch time with an affordable price as well! Very nice staffs and the owner knows a lot! He explained me what was going wrong with my gear and I felt very confident to leave my vehicle there. And now… its perfect! Thank you again! You are the Best!.”
Gabriella Pimenta, Google Review
Trustworthy team
“I brought my work vehicle there today at the recommendation of Fred’s Auto on Fraser Street and the service I received today was 5 Stars all the way. My vehicle read a code for a solenoid (something to do with my transmission ) and I can tell you that as a female it isn’t often that I Feel confident about what I am being told. The owner ( I am presuming) was patient with me, explained everything in a way I could understand, presented me with options and in the end dropped the transmission pan to see what the cost would be and then charged me nothing in the end. Now I am not giving 5 stars because I was not charged because I would have happily paid (yes happily) but because I felt heard, cared for as a customer and I felt confident that I was told the truth and presented with the best options for me. Not once did I feel pressured to chose one of the services that would have taken money out of my pocket . When I buy my new vehicle I will bring my car in and I will share with everyone I know about the amazing service I received. Thank you for your honesty today and for caring so much about your customers.”
T Yensen, Google Review
3. Lee’s Automatic Transmissions
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.2/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Diagnostic knowledge | 4.5/5 |
| Updated diagnostic tools | 4.5/5 |
| Advanced diagnostic training | 4.5/5 |
| Availability | 4/5 |
| Accurate estimated time of completion | 4/5 |
| Emergency services | 4/5 |
| Quality of parts | 4.5/5 |
| Accessibility | 5/5 |
If you don’t have the time to get your car to Lee’s Automatic Transmissions, you’ll love that they offer pick-up and delivery services for your convenience. They will even offer you a courtesy car so you can have something to use while your car’s being serviced.
When we had our car serviced last month, we were told that they could finish it in five days. We’re glad that we didn’t have to wait until the fourth day to get an update, as they messaged us each day just to keep us on track.
Meanwhile, if you don’t mind getting alternative (but still high-quality) spare parts for your car, you can trust this transmission repair shop to get them on time for you. It even costs a fraction of what you had to pay for if you chose originally manufactured parts.
While there’s nothing wrong with choosing original car parts, it might not work for you if you’re in a hurry. Well, we still need to point out that we encountered delays during the repair.
And when we chatted with one of their technicians, we were informed that they were actually struggling to hire young workers and had to work with older mechanics instead.
Overall, we’re still glad that we took our car to Lee’s as they never took advantage of our limited transmission knowledge to add services that our car didn’t need at that time!
Responsive even during weekends
“Walt is a wonderful, trustworthy, honest man, and great mechanic! As a girl, it’s difficult to find a mechanic in Vancouver that will not try to sell you things you don’t need. Walt took our desperate call on the weekend when our alternator was shot, and gave us the phone number of a good tow truck company. Lucky for us, because our car was stranded in a no parking zone, and he let us drop off the car in his lot for the weekend. He called us with updates on prices and things that were wrong with the car and kindly waited for me to pick it up after hours. This Company has awesome mechanics and wonderful customer service! Walt is our Go-To Guy when it comes to our car repairs/maintenance. From now on, we will be going to him for oil changes, after 4, you get one for free!”
Jani Martinius, Google Review
Provides cost breakdown
“After taking my recently-purchased ’86 Mazda B2000 to Walt and the team, they spent a lot of extra time diagnosing the power-loss problem I was experiencing. Walt personally went out of his way to call me every day with an update, and in the end gave me a really nice break on the labour charge. Best of all – they had it done in time for me to take it back in time to drive home for Christmas!”
Lorem, Google Review
4. S&M Auto Service
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Diagnostic knowledge | 4.5/5 |
| Updated diagnostic tools | 4.5/5 |
| Advanced diagnostic training | 4.7/5 |
| Availability | 4.8/5 |
| Accurate estimated time of completion | 4.8/5 |
| Emergency services | 4.8/5 |
| Quality of parts | 4.5/5 |
| Accessibility | 4.5/5 |
If you’re either in a hurry or encountered an emergency transmission problem, S&M Auto Service can provide immediate assistance to you.
We loved how they opened their doors to us an hour before they opened. And while they didn’t check our car right away, the technician asked us to leave our keys so they could inspect it properly.
And true to their promise, they got back to us two hours later with a diagnosis. We didn’t even have to ask about the ballpark costs as they immediately sent us a quotation after we dropped the call.
It’s great that this repair shop shares car tips on their social media pages, which we think is pretty handy.
I even remember reading about the common signs of transmission problems to watch out for, I had no idea that the vibration I felt when shifting gears was one of them. Of course, we brought it straight to the repair shop.
Dealing with car breakdowns can be quite stressful, especially if you don’t have the budget for extensive repairs. And these guys are thoughtful enough to be extra sensitive in cases like this.
Once they see potential problems your car might encounter, they will address them to you while giving you a timeframe so you can prepare for the next round of repairs.
Doesn’t upsell additional services
“Have been going here for years with many different vehicles and they never disappoint! Amazing service, super knowledgeable, and truly a straight up guy, John will never trick you or try and upsell you! Will always bring my vehicles here!”
Liam Nolan, Google Review
Knowledgeable in both old and new car models
“Great folks with extensive knowledge in vehicles. I drove an old Honda Element and when I bring it in for issues, they assess and do the specific work that was agreed upon but also let me know what the next potential trouble spot may be and how long I have until I must address the issue. I Feel safe and confident every time I leave S&M Auto”
Vixen Sevenly, Google Review
5. Vancouver Transmission Ltd.
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Diagnostic knowledge | 4.5/5 |
| Updated diagnostic tools | 4.5/5 |
| Advanced diagnostic training | 4.7/5 |
| Availability | 4.8/5 |
| Accurate estimated time of completion | 4.8/5 |
| Emergency services | 4.8/5 |
| Quality of parts | 4.5/5 |
| Accessibility | 4.5/5 |
As soon as we noticed that we were having a hard time shifting gears, we knew we had to call Vancouver Transmission Ltd for a check-up.
During the call, we immediately felt comfortable as the staff never rushed us while we were telling them what we’d observed.
They even took the time to have their mechanic on the phone just to guide us with some basic troubleshooting. We appreciated that they took that extra step to confirm the issue, which can potentially avoid an unnecessary visit.
Well, our car still ended up being serviced. But we’re glad that they were able to save time on diagnostics.
After fully inspecting our car, they advised us that we still have an existing warranty for some car parts, which we didn’t remember having! We’re impressed that they didn’t even try to sell us a replacement.
So when it’s your turn to have your car serviced at Vancouver Transmission, make sure to have your repair history and warranty documents ready.
You’ll also love that their mechanics work efficiently, which allows them to finish the transmission repairs within the scheduled time frame. And in our experience, the problem never persisted upon turnover, which says a lot about their attention to detail.
Fair costs
“Great overall experience. 10/10 for service, quality, honesty and workmanship. I dealt with Chris since I had gotten there and I am recommending this place to everyone that I know. They have knowledgable technicians, very fair with their costs, and main thing is they did not push any unnecessary repairs on me that other places would have encouraged me to get done. Best part is the work that was done is warrantied so I know that my vehicle is in good shape and was in good hands while at the shop. They did the service within the scheduled time-frame and I am very satisfied with how my vehicle drives. Again, 10/10 for service. Thank you very much Chris & the Vancouver Transmission team :)”
Harman Johal, Google Review
Delivers ahead of agreed schedule
“I can see why this place gets the reviews that they do! They have a great team and everyone that helped me starting from the front of the shop to diagnosing/performing my repairs in the back for great. Chris was so friendly and patient with taking the time to explain things making sure I knew what I was getting done to the car and what my concerns were. A very honest business that charges fairly. They even finished everything a day early! Great work.”
Emily Christine, Google Review
