'96 Transmission Death in Deleware County Pa?

[wynndi]

After a VERY, VERY long and enjoyable stretch of no mechanical problems, I pick up on a noise coming from somewhere near the firewall last night.

It's a higher pitched squeal that increases in frequency when accellerating at any speed. I was thinking power steering, but ruled it out.

Driving to work this morning, more noise but no change in performance at all.

On way home, I aim for parts store to get transmissin fluid (looks a little low but not outrageously so - no leaks either). Decided against taking I-95 "just in case" which turned out to be a really good idea when, at 30mph or so, the rpms rise and the car slows. No forward gears at all. Pull over, no reverse at all.

Car sits for 15 min as I make calls and check under hood, under car. Get in, start up, car drives ok for a half mile then loses all gears again.

Got her flatbedded to the local Subaru dealer (it was that or Pep Boys...) and await her fate.

Fluid wasn't very low, didn't stink, is 25K old, no leaks, no dummy lights, no sign of overheat.

Any ideas about what I'm in for beyond a bruised wallet?