Nissan Repair: 1996 Nissan Maxima SE AutomaticTransmission Problem, nissan maxima se, mile road trip

Question
After returning from an almost 700 mile road trip in my Maxima, the next day it started shifting extremely hard from 1st to 2nd gear and has been doing it ever since. It shifts so hard that it feels like I've been rearended. I forgot to mention that the "check engine" light has been on ever since the day after the road trip. I took it to a mechanic whose diagnosis revealed an alleged transmission fluid leak in the hydraulic pump located in the transmission itself and the only remedies are to rebuild or replace it. He gave me a price range of $1,400 - $1,900 to rebuild. The car has been very good to us and we've never had any major problems like this; the engine is great. I have 131,500 miles on it and believe I can easily get another 75k to 100k, but the car is only worth between $2,200 - $3,500.

Your thoughts and advice would be very much appreicated.

Answer
Zager,

I love my Maxima and for the cost of a rebuilt transmission you could get many more years out of it.  I would ask around for quotes from other transmission shops.  I like Cottman as I have had good luck with them in three different states.  You should get three quotes and ask your friends which shop in your area does good work for a good price before you take the first offer.  I would have the car repaired since the car is excellent.  Think of what it is going to cost to get another car in as good a shape as yours?  I know the book value is not great but getting another car in the price range you indicate could mean other problems you do not know about.  You know your car and now the only thing that is wrong is the transmission...  Your choice but I would keep it.