Need advice on 2000 5 speed Echo

[gaypiper]

A local used car dealer has a 2000 Echo with 5 speed standard. I've driven it twice and love it. My mechanic looked at it and like it until we cracked open the tranny. The fluid was clear black and he thought he saw particles in it. The car has 120,000 km on it and I'm told that the trans on this model is prone to burning out at around 200,000 km. Please share your experience and/or knowledge.

[FloTSaM]

I own a 2002 echo with manual transmission, almost 270 000km on it and the tranny still works fine. I've seen an echo with a broken transmission and it cost around 800$ for a used one, labour included.