Yup, tama sila, cheaper to buy surplus than to overhaul. Besides, usually pareho lang ang length ng warranty (3 mos.)

For a 97 City EXi, I would assume it would be less than 14k. Kasi I got a quote for that amount for my 97 Accord. Installation labor ~3k.

For the ATF, better na you get the same spec as that listed in the manual. Dexron II lang yata ang 97 EXi. Most ordinary ATF naman, Dexron II na, kaya pwede sya