[blakes]

There is probably no transmission in a US road car that can be replaced for $500 in labor at an auto shop. Your buddy or some rando may do it, but no shop will for that price. Typical shop rate is $120-$220/hour. Most shops are going to charge a minimum of 4 hours, but probably closer to 8 hours. Have you ever been under a car? The amount of "automation" required to replace a transmission is still in the arena of science fiction.

[fingerlocks]

I have personally replaced a Volkswagen transmission in under an hour. I did it alone, in a driveway, with a regular floor jack, a skateboard, and a set of harbor freight wrenches.

[doubled112]

The amount a shop is going to charge you often has little relation to how long it actually takes. They're there to make money.

I knew a kid changing turbos in Mk4 VWs on his lunch break. He had time to drive home, replace a turbo, and drive back to the shop.

Shop was still going to charge a few hours.

Labour last time I had front shocks and struts done? 3 hours not including the alignment.

Friend's brake job? 2.5 hours - they were 4 wheel disk, what was the mechanic doing for the other 2h?