I think payment is more of an issue than anything with people. Most people I know living from check to check do not have an emergency fund. This is normally coupled with a loaded up with debt credit card.
As of just recently a well know local engine builder has stopped building engines. The point was made of payment problems. They (the co-owners) decided to just simply machine the parts and skip all the drama of engine building behind. There now turning a bigger profit while making a lot of home builders very happy.
They require a small amount of your time for what exactly is being done, what needs to be done and 50% down payment. You’ll get a phone call if anything comes up or when it is finished.
On the transmission, this maybe a matter of keeping the numbers matching trans in the car.