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Dear Jim

I drive a 1986 Buick LeSabre (3.8L, V6) with about 154,000 miles on it. I'm good about changing the oil, and the engine still runs well, but the transmission has started to slip. This happens mostly in the high gears, and it's starting to get more frequent.

My mechanics says there's nothing to do but replace the transmission with a rebuilt unit. That's a $1,000 job. I really love this car, but can't afford that right now. What do you recommend? Is there any alternative to a transmission replacement?

-- Matt Greer

How much do you love this car, bro?

As much as I'd like to give you some better news, your mechanic is being straight with you. Automatic transmissions are like people. They work miraculously for a good, long while (if we're lucky), but they don't last forever.

As the units age, all those moving parts inside wear down and stop working together like they used to. The result is what you're seeing: gear slipping, thumps and general crankiness. Once those clutches start jumping in and out of overdrive, it's a sign that the end is near.

For your transmission, the end is near.

What's more, the $1,000-plus you'll need to fix this may be more than the car is worth. Then again, maybe this Buick is worth it to you -- that's a very personal decision and only you can make it.

If you had, say, a 1984 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, that would be a different story because of the collectible value. In your case, it comes down to emotional attachment. How attached are you?

Here's something else: I don't know what other work you've had done, but think about the rest of the car. Right now it's the transmission that's going, but what about the brakes, axles, bearings, pumps and hoses that are growing old along with it?

You could easily spend another few years dropping cash on a car that spends half its time in the shop.

Maybe it's time to let go. Besides, bro, you won't forget the car, and there's something very cool about those "old car talks" over a beer where you can tell everyone about that sweet '86 LeSabre you once had.

Tip of the Week:

Fight engine overheating with fresh oil and regular cooling system checks, drivers, but if you do seriously overheat on the road, pretend it's wintertime: Air conditioner off and the heater on full blast -- it really will take a few degrees off the engine until you can pull over.

Buffalo Jim, owner of Allstate Auto & Marine Repair in Las Vegas, writes a weekly column. Send your automotive questions to him at buffalojim@lasvegasniftynickel.com. If Jim picks your question to answer in Nuts & Bolts, you'll also be the proud recipient of a deck of official Buffalo Jim playing cards, presented in a classy, tin box bearing his hairy image.

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