This is our only car. I just replaced the transmission with one from a 94 legacy with a little over 100k on it,(wrecked in front). The fluid is clean and red with no smell. The transmission engages a little harsh but shifts smoothly, makes a light grinding noise in neutral. After an hour or so of working fine, it acts like it simply is out of gear. You have to stop, put it in park, turn it off, restart, and select drive and it will take off again like normal, but now it will randomly come out of gear and you have to stop and do the process all over again. It is really annoying.
Aamco said the "lipseals" are leaking and it needs to be rebuilt.
If you accelerate at wide open throttle after the restart process, it holds strong in every gear until 90mph or so (traffic gets in the way). it never slips it either holds strong or has nothing.
I cant afford the rebuild, and dont feel it needs one.
Looking for any suggestions, similar experiences, diagnostic help or rigs to get buy with. AWD works fine doesnt bind. ABS light comes on some times but works fine as well.