Used Pontiac Vibe Transmission Fluid Question

[wintersilke]

Buddy at work is selling his 2006 Vibe with 143K miles on it. He never had the trans fluid flushed or exchanged (don't know why). The fluid is barely pink and does not smell burnt. Car looks to be otherwise in very good condition.

My 2005 Vibe with 149K miles on it and 2 fluid exchanges on it has the same color fluid.

I was told that if I were to buy the '06 I should not have the transmission fluid exchanged by a machine that pressurizes the system because of the crud that will come out and shorten the transmission lifespan.

I find myself confused about what is what regarding transmission fluid work.

From what I've read here, an exchange only exchanges about 50-60% of the fluid.

What other transmission work could I have done on the '06 if I buy it? I'd like to try to get it back to the pink color its suppose to be.

[Chiadog]

I would replace the fluid with Toyota T-IV.
Check this thread: viewtopic.php?f=20&t=40088&hilit=+transmission+fluid" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[wintersilke]

So no pressured flush?

How about flushing every 2 weeks?

I figure I should at least drop the pan, change the gasket, clean the magnets, etc and give him good advice even if I end up not buying it myself.

[Raven]

Some people say a pressure flush loosens old crud which can block up valves etc. I'm not sure there's any proof either way or just anecdotal evidence.
Removing the pan, cleaning the magnets and changing the filter is a good idea. You can then drain and fill the tranny 4-5 times over a day or two with several miles driving between each change.. This will replace 90% plus of the fluid. Each drain will be about 4 quarts. I buy a 5 gallon pail of transmission fluid to save money.