Has Lou Trotter never heard of auto-wreckers?  All kinds of cars get into wrecks and are parted out to people who need replacement parts.  Why pay $10,400 for a repair when you can probably buy a used transmission with a guarantee for about $2000.  Repair the car and then sell it.  I've noticed that very few repair shops are inclined to recommend auto-wrecker parts unless the customer requests the option.  I've replaced engines and transmissions with auto-wrecker parts and have never had a problem.  All kinds of parts are available and just a couple of years ago I needed a mass airflow sensor and the cheapest new one I could find was $300.  I bought one at the auto-wrecker for $20 and they told me to try it and keep coming back for another one if needed.  I installed it and haven't had a problem since.