Transmission failure!

[askhao]

I am very disappointed right now. As I was driving, I came to a stop and all of the sudden the car started "bunny-hopping" somewhat like the first time driving a manual. Then, seconds later, the SES light came on and "Trans. Failsafe Program" lit up on the dashboard. The car was barely moving, very hard to start getting it rolling. So immediately, I "limped" it to the dealer. After 1 day, I got a call from the SA. - "So yeah, the transmission will have to be replaced for a little over $8,000". I was thinking WTF?!?! This all came out of nowhere by the way. The car was driving fine just a few hours ago. Now, my question is, since I will be needing a new tranny.. do you guys know of any places in NY that will rebuild it for a decent price?

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate it. Really don't want to pay $8,000... If that's what it comes to, I might as well sell it for whatever it's worth and I would hate to part with her.

The tranny went out at about 89,200 miles and it is a 2003.