bought a 95 avalon and ATF question

[blkavalon]

i just bought a 95 avalon with 151k miles for $2450. this car is in good condition. car shifts way better than my 98 avy 120 miles but the ATF is in the darker side. i like to know should i change, flush or just leave the ATF alone. i want to at least drain and refill but my dad keeps saying just leave it alone because it might trigger tranny issues. i need your input on this. thank you.

[toyomoho]

If you never change the fluid the odds are high there will be future problems with the trans. Better to change the fluid and have a slight risk of trans problems.

Between drives change and refill the fluid in the pan, do this until fluid changes to red. A drain and refill replenishes about 2 1/2 quarts, the rest is in the torque converter.

[csaxon]

^^ What he said. If the fluid level is where it should be when warm, then simply drain the pan and measure the amount drained. Replace with same amount.

[zythr]

First, you got "hosed", $2450 for a 14 year old car with over 150,000 miles, with possible tranny problems. Second, what color is the fluid, and have you looked at and felt the dipstick for varnish and any metal particles?

[Nervous]

I'd recommend to:
1) drain ATF (engine should be hot)
2) remove transmission pan
3) remove and replace transmission strainer (also known as transmission filter)
4) cleanup the pan (make a picture of it first to remember where magnets are located)
5) put the pan back
6) disconnect the returning pipe from trans to radiator and flush the transmission.
7) I believe, the Avalon of this gen is basically the gen 3 / 3.5 Camry V6 1MZ. in this case you have differential that has separate ATF drain and refill holes. Drain differential and refill with fresh ATF (about 1 qt, will need something like little pump to refill the differential).
You can find detailed info on how to do all of this in Camry Gen 3 & 4 forum, FAQ section, as well as in Haynes manual.