I just bought 98 ex auto with 160k for commuter use. I know my way around jeeps, landcruisers and tacomas, but I'm new to the world of Honda. I have records that they changed the fluid at 90k (factory recommended interval, kinda long IMO). It doesn't shift like I'm used to. It seems to rev higher than I would like before shifting and seems to slip when shifting. I changed the fluid because it looked brownish red, and when I did the magnetic drain plug looked like a black greasy cattipilar. Is it normal to get items sticking to the plug, or are my clutch bands shot? Is it a problem that will slowly get worse, or will it suddenly strand me on the side of the road?

What are my options? What is the going rate for a new/rebuilt trans and torque converter. I have a cd copy of the fsm, fairly mechanically inclined, but I absoluetly not looking forward to pulling a trans. I'm better at taking things apart, than putting them together.

Any one in central FL that can drive it to let me know if it is drives normal or if it's toast?


Thanks.
Mike