Transmission Issues

This is my first post on these forums and they look pretty good. I am no mechanic but I need some insight on this issue I'm having.

I have a Buick Park Avenue 1992 and the car seems very solid but as of lately has been giving me some problems.

It seems randomly every morning when I pull out of my parking spot in reverse then go into drive the car just sits there and I hear nothing for gear changes. I hit the gas and it acts like its in neutral.

I then put the shifter all the way down into 1st gear and then the car hesitates and then "BOOM" (car shakes a little) and the car shifts into 1st gear. I then can hit the gas and the car will move so I put the gear back into drive and then i'm on my way. I have to do this a few times a week.

I went to my local Buick dealer in Portland, ME and they barely looked into it telling me my car needed over 2500$ in repairs for various things. They didn't know what my transmission problem was so they charged me 75$ for looking at it handed me back the keys with nothing done to the car and told me to trade it in. The car really does seem ok though besides the transmission and some rusty floor boards which I can get fixed.

I suppose a college student like me shouldn't be driving around these luxury mobiles for their parts are $$$. :( I just need to keep this car for at least another 6 months.

Anyone know some causes of this problem with the transmission?

Thanks in advance. :cool:

the transmission might be low on fluid. if it is, add some and that should help. Also, how many miles are on the trans?