I am looking to purchase a late model (1997-ish) LeSabre 80k - 100+k mileage (3800 V6).

Curbside check of tranny fluid reveals off-red fluid (brownish) but no strong burnt smell. This has been common to 6 vehicles, some private owners, some dealers.

Is this fluid color normal for this many miles, or is this an indication of imminent transmission problems?

Anyone familiar with the normal life expectancy of this transmission?

I would say the color of the fluid is more indicative that the transmission hasn't been serviced. I beleive the manuals call for those transmissions to be serviced every 50K or so.

If that's the case, you'll want to change the fluid and filter asap... or better yet, get the dealer to do it. I would do a service now and after a few months with the new fluid and filter in place, get the transmission flushed.

dmfconsult,

Thank you for the response. That's what I was hoping.

How many miles would you expect out of one of these transmissions?

==Mic

I think with these transmissions its a crap shoot as to how much mileage you get. I've got a 97 Lumina with a tranny that's been regularly serviced and I only have 70K miles on it, but, it's developed a whine recently. Still shifts properly and drives well, but I think I'm on borrowed time. I would say that as long as you don't hear any unusual whines or noises coming from the tranny and it shifts positively, your probably OK. If you notice any late shifting, delays in gear switches between R and D, or delays in downshifting while driving, I would walk away from that particular car.... its going to be hit or miss.