couple of questions about picking up a used camry.

[FRITO]

im thinking of picking up a local 1988 camry to use for parts and such. engine has 80,000 miles and exterior and interior are in good shape. it silver with a 3s-fe engine.

the thing is is has a messed up transmission. its is automatic. im thinking I could convert it to a manual or replace transmission and sell it for more than what i paid and make some money. seller said " spider gears are stripped out." when i asked what happened to tranny. what does this mean? is this normal or should i be weary of something like this? btw see selling for $900 USD but i can get that lower believe me.

any tips or other things I should thoroughly check before I buy?
i cant "test" drive because tranny is messed up so the best thing would probably have a mechanic check everything?

also how much would it roughly cost to get a used auto tranny replaced in there?

thanks guys

[cam2Xrunner]

try www. car-parts.com they have transmissions as low as 75 dollars, with a warranty, theyre not too hard to swap if youve got the right tools and some jack ramps

[FRITO]

anyone have thoughts?