Vs auto transmission

[descentia]

I have a vs 12/95. Has 310 000 ks. Since about 220 000 it has been playing up on long trips. When doing say 100 and need extra power to get up a hill sometimes it slips. If I drop it back a gear then take it up again it works. Had a transmission service done on it, was a bit better after that.

Mechanic I used to use just said gearbox needs replacing without looking at it, decided to just keep driving it until it dies. But it hasn't died? Works fine in all other gears, just the long trips, 1200 km return trip I do frequently.

Why do the mechanics hear that and just say new gearbox without even looking at it?

[hako]

I'd say you have been very lucky - usually once they start slipping they heat up, the oil cooks and starts laying varnish on the metal parts of the valve bodies and the clutches start to crumble etc etc. There is always the exception and you were lucky enought to get it.
However, I wouldn't count on it lasting forever......and when it fails it will probably 600km into your 1200kn trip (thats where mine failed).
The mechanic has his job to protect and I'd say he gave you the standard answer which is good for business and whilst expensive for the customer, it guarantees the problem is fixed.

[descentia]

Yeah I keep on waiting for it to die, touch wood I bet it does now... Will probably get it fixed anyway as everything else is doing pretty good. For its k's and age.