to drive or not?

I have had my SVX for 2 weeks. It ran great for a week then....it slipped a gear on me. Its having trouble going from 3rd down shifting to second. For now I am manualy keeping it in second if I'm in traffic/ 3rd slow highway. I'm babying it(I'm broke and can't afford a new tranny right now).
I have a trip planned for next week(200+miles). Does highway driving put stress on the tranny. I don't have the money to do any work right now. Should I cancel the trip. I don't have the tow kit, flush, or the filter. (as far as I know)
The fluid is really really clean. Any help is appreciated.

[svxistentialist]

Sorry to hear it is giving you so much trouble so soon after buying it. The SVX is a fancy car, but can run up some fancy bills if not cared for.

I suggested before you get a tranny tech to tighten up the brake band. Have you tried this? Should not cost a fortune, but is a few hours' labour, and they need to know how to do it.

I am assuming it is second gear and fourth gear that is gone. Is this correct? If so you should try driving it in 3 all the time. If 2 is completely worn away, it should shift direct from 1 to 3 when pulling away. If you force it to travel in 2, it would be slipping the brake band as soon as it shifts up from 1. Nowhere else to go, as it can't shift up to 3, while you have it in 2 range.

If the tranny is going that bad, you would be better advised to leave off the long trip. If it burns up altogether [no telling how bad the other clutches are until the tranny is opened up] you will have to leave it on the roadside. If your car is AWD, then it can not be towed!!! You have to use a transporter, and you know they don't come cheap!!

Joe