Nine years ago this Sunday, I purchased a 2008 Mazda Tribute 2wd Tour AT with 32k miles on it. I just turned 133k last week and in the process, the tach started revving to 3000 rpm. I visited the local Mazda dealer where they suggested it sounded like the idle air control valve. I purchased one at Autozone and replaced it. Testdrive to follow led to 4-5000 rpm on the tach. It's currently setting at a transmission shop with second and fourth gear gone and a pricey situation to rebuild it.
Should the tranny be toast this early, is $3500-4000 worth putting back into the vehicle? I'm at the crossroads where I feel it's time to move up and on, but want some opinions.
Thanks