Just my 2 cents - Sometimes the Dealer (shocking) is the best place.
On one of my cars independent mech. required 2-4 visits to fix same thing over and over again. He could not get brakes right. Kept squealing/squeaking ouch so loud.
So finally - I got fed up and went to dealer - they told me "cheap Chinese after market pads was the problem" - put in good quality OEM - and problem solved.
Sometimes you save money at Indy Mech. Sometimes you spend more.
Yes, I know - Dealer is expensive. But they also would not have left my car covered in snow when finished, given me free wash/wax, and kept it in covered area. And they are more likely to get it right 1st visit.
I used local mechanic in Indian Trail called "Brothers Foreign Auto Repair" rated A in Angies List. Work is okay - but treat car like crap. Once was left in monsoon rain, second time left in last Monday's/Tue. snow/ice storm covered with 4 inches of frozen snow.
I have a tick (whcih everyone knows about on this forum) and when I'm ready --- I plan to go to MB of South Charlotte. I've seen many SL's from 60's through 80's repaired there ---
I hope your trans shop works out. By the way I used Indy Trans shop in NJ once and when finished it was BETTER than original so I have had good as well as bad experiences.