97 Corolla Automatic Transmission Flush question

[TarHeelsBlue]

I have a 97 Corolla DX (1.8L) with the automatic transmission, I'm the second owner. It has about 119K miles on it. It's been well maintained, has had the transmission fluid flushed at the dealer at 30K, 60K and 90K according to the records (I've owned it since 93K miles). I've done all the 120K service except the tranny fluid and the timing belt/water pump which I will be doing next month. She has been the best, most reliable car I've ever owned. The previous owner took great care of it and did all the required maintenance per the owner's manual at the dealer. I'd love to drive this car well past 200K miles.

Anyway, I asked my mechanic about a transmission fluid and filter change and he tells me that there is no need to change the filter. He says per the owner's manual, every 30K, the fluid needs to be flushed and that's it. But I'm skeptical, I've always thought that the filter does need to be changed. Doesn't this model have a filter inside the pan? Also, the dealer told me the same thing, they said it's a lifetime filter and they only flush the fluid. Any thoughts? What should I do? Thank you for any tips!

[Bitter]

you can drop the pan and change it if you'd like, at 120k miles it won't hurt to do that. clean the pan while you're in there, change the filter, and fill it with a quality dexron2 compatible fluid.