Looking for a second opinion on the gearbox on my '89 Corolla.

[randomness]

Anyone got a pointer to a Toyota transmission specialist? Googling for the particular symptom that's irritating me lately--popping out of 5th gear--has revealed that some 5 speed manual gearboxes have an easier fix than swapping out the whole gearbox. My mechanic doesn't know of this, but maybe someone who specializes in Toyotas instead of Saabs has a better idea.

The specialist can be anywhere in the Northeast Corridor, as the car is quite drivable--I just drove it from New England to Knoxville, TN and back in July--and I'm willing to go places to talk someone who knows Toyotas. If you know of a real guru I should drive to say, Chicago for...well, I'd do that, but it's a bit more of a stretch.

Thanks for any info; please comment, email, or text.

Comments

[muffyjo]

Larry Ng's Auto Repair
431 Worcester St
Wellesley, MA 02481-5333
(781) 235-9000

http://boston.citysearch.com/review/4803421

He used to service my housemate's Honda and also does Toyota (if I recall). He's honest and was very helpful. His repair shop is part of a gas station off route 9 eastbound side before you get to Route 16 if you are coming eastbound. It's across from the Firestation there. You can also get to it from Rte 16E. The Entrance is opposite the small shopping plaza where whole foods is.

[frotz.livejournal.com]

I would at least talk to:

AA Transmissions Inc.
37 Coe Avenue, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108
203.469.1288

...not necessarily for any specific Toyota-fu but because they've demonstrated extreme transmission-fu to me in the past. Plus they're probably not nearly as inconvenient for you as they are for me.

[digitalemur.livejournal.com]

Didn't realize you have an '89 Corolla too; that's what yaleartificer has. I think he uses East Rock Auto Repair but he hasn't had transmission work so far as I know, so that's not a recommendation or anything. Besides, you already know New Haven area shops, no doubt.

Best of luck with that; I like hearing about cars that old!

[amelia-g.livejournal.com]

I think you just want an excuse for a road trip, like you've ever really needed an excuse, but . . .

[punkdyke.livejournal.com]

Well, I don't know of anyone in particular, but when I needed a mechanic I went to the Car Talk web site (like, the awesome radio show) and they have lists of listener recommended mechanics with reviews and stuff. The mechanic I picked up through there was cheap, nice, and honest. So, if all else fails, give that a shot.