Hi, first thing i would is pull the dipstick for transmission, its kinda hard too find, under the power brake booster, left side of engine compartment, small black knob for handel, should be between the crosshacth pattern onb the stick,when hot and be carefull,wear some sorta glove, lightesth red in color, if brown and burnt smell, i would change it out and go for anthor test drive, while changing out fluid , change the filter out too, my manual i think says too do this every three years or so many miles, most dont do it, till its gets too this stage, i have a 1995 model, great little car ,Everett.
p.s, the transmission around here start at $695 and up , and you pull it,.