Hello folks.  I have a 96 Lx auto 4 cylinder and yesterday the check
engine light come on.  I take the car to the Firestone today and after
$160 (it is actually cheaper at the the dealer; they only charge $102 to
check the code), they told me it is the transmission and they don't
touch that.  Here is the code: P0740 Converter Clutch problem.  They
recommend 3 different transmission shop and they all give me different
price and opinion.  This is my first time have to do with transmission,
can someone give me some advice?
The car has over 110k miles on it.
AAmco: They said don't just fix the converter, I need a total rebuilt
transmission.  It will cost $1500 and up, they will take it apart first
and if it cost more than that, they will call me and if I don't like the
price (more than 1500), they will put it back and charge me $350 for
taking it apart.
Local Tran shop: They will not repair it either but will charge $2495
flat fee and warranty for 1 year or 12000 miles.  They told me if
something is wrong with the converter, then the transmission must be in
pretty bad shape.  Even I fix the converter, I will probably back with
some other transmission problem in few thousand miles.
Local shop B: They will fix the converter for $1200 and if I want a
rebuild, they will inspect the transmission before giving me a price
quote.
Local shop C: They will not fix the converter but will rebuilt the
transmission which they will give me a new converter for $2600.  It has
a 3 year and 36000 miles warranty.
I am really confuse and don't know who to trust.  Can someone give me
some idea before I spent at least 1200 and more?  Thanks.