Picked me up a 2002 Lx.
4dr Auto clean title with 155 on the clock and running strong.

Timing belt, water pump, etc has been done. But does have the normal cracked exhaust manifold, and having a random starting problem.

Took the started apart and cleaned everything. Still no luck, but then you tap on the solinoid and if will fire. So im needing one of those.

And the only other thing i am worried about is the transmission.... i have heard horror stories about them just going out.

But for 1000.00 i really cant complain.

and advice on the transmission?

 

What kind of advice on the transmission are you looking for? If the car was beat on, you can expect it to go eventually. Even with proper maintenance, they are known to just give out. There's no real factory alternative to them that's more durable. The 04-05's were the most reliable due to minor changes done to the transmission, but they're not 100% bulletproof.

 

do the drain and fill procedure you can also get an aftermarket transmission cooler other then that all you can do is pray. but since its an inevitable problem i would consider selling it for a nice profit. also i remember TCI auto use to make a racing overhaul kit with upgraded clutch packs maybe they still sell them that would make it bullet proof. i found it here
http://www.jegs.com/i/TCI/890/559100/10002/-1