Regarding the transmission:

My car is a 95 with 95 transmission (duh). It went bad for the first time at 90,000 miles. Some 95 transmissions last much longer, some last less. It just depends on how it is taken care of. Add an aux transmission cooler to your car. The problem with the transmissions is heat.

I think what you are thinking of are the "wheel bearings." They tend to go bad. If they do go bad, you will hear a roaring sound from either the front or the rear of the car (depending on which bearings are bad).

Best of luck with your new car, and try to set aside some money now, as you WILL likely encounter some problems.

Mike