How to test if the transmission of the car is working without test driving it to the highway?

Question

Is it possible for a mechanic to check if the transmission is working properly without test driving on a highway.

The reason im asking this is because I am looking at a used 2002 honda civic ex coupe. The seller take the plate off and put it on his new car. So theres no way to drive it on a highway or to a mechanic shop. Only thing i can do is bring a mechanic to check the car out.

The carfax report for the car is clean, but

http://www.carfax.com/car_safety/ratings/SRR.cfm/year/2002/make/HONDA/model/CIVIC/trim_id/2002HONDCPFCIVIC_EX

Transmission & Driveline An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the second gear clutch in the Automatic Transmission. This may cause the Automatic Transmission to slip, and the Check Engine Light to illuminate. Also, when the Automatic Transmission is rebuilt or replaced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software needs to be updated. The cost to replace the Automatic Transmission is estimated at $1800 for a remanufactured Automatic Transmission and $318.50 for labor. The cost to update the PCM is estimated at $65 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

Im afriad if the car has this problem. Is there any way to check to make sure the car is good?

Thank you.

Answer 1

look for another civic

Good luck!

Answer 2

nope sorry it would have to be taken to a dealership to be checked being this being a dealer alert issue... there the only ones who might know...