99 taurus trans trouble i think

[cmangus1]

It all started when my car would crank but not fire(seperate issue i think). I believe it is the fuel pump. When the car wouldn't fire I did not hear the fuel pump engage. After letting it sit for a while i tried to start it again and I heard the fuel pump engage and the car started right up. Admist my delight when I went to take off I shifted the car into gear and got nothing. I did not try to push the car so Im not sure if every gear was like being in neutral or park. I had the car towed and I am being told I need a complete transmission rebuild and new torque converter. I am confused because up until this point there had been no signs of any trans issues(no slipping, grinding, or even rough shifting). The guy at the shop I took it to told me he had a couple of past customers that had similar issues with their taurus'. I am still having trouble accepting that the trans would go just like that. My main concern right now is the tranny. I'm facing $1800 in repairs and i don't want to get screwed. Any ideas or past experiences would be appreciated PLEASE

thanks

[cmangus1]

Sorry 3.0L SE with 108,000 on it

thanks

[shorod]

When was the last time the transmission fluid and filter were changed? Were there many filings or metal fragments on the magnet?

-Rod