Should I at least try a fluid flush on this transmission?

I'm not a transmission guy. Let's just get that outta the way first. I bought a 2002 Honda Accord that the lady said needed a transmission. In the trunk were dozens of empty fluid bottles, I forget what kind they were but I specifically remember they weren't what it called for. The fluid looks very bad but the transmission does NOT slip. The problem it has is that it has to be shifted manually, like stop, shift down into 1, 2, d3, d4 etc. Otherwise it tries to start out in 4th which is where I would assume the burnt fluid came in to play. I removed the shift solenoids and cleaned them, and it drove perfect for about 5 minutes. The transmission shop here in town said it's shot, and he wouldn't do a flush on it, but I think if I flush it and maybe replace those solenoids, it would last at least until I'm in a better financial spot to actually fix it. Should I try, or is he right by saying not to bother with it?

You're not a transmission guy and you bought a car that the seller said had a bad transmission. A transmission shop said it was shot and wouldn't do a flush. Let's see, I'm gonna go with the transmission specialist and say it is a waste of time. In fact, I'm gonna say that buying a car that the seller says needs a tranny is a waste of money.

Transmission is toast. Honda's had transmission problems between 98-07. Wasting money on another flush it needs a rebuilt transmission. Find local shop at ATRA.COM for more help

Flushing would be a total waste of money. IT's shot. Face up to reality and stop living in a dream world

Try putting some Moreys upper cylinder lubricant in your transmission

Pull the pan and see what is in the bottom, that will tell the story.

You paid 200 bucks for it? Then spring for a junkyard transmission and see what happens. That one is toast

NO. It MAY be worth DRAINING the transmission fluid and replacing it, but a flush is NEVER good.

OK, now that I read that an actual transmission shop said the transmission is shot, I will defer to the experts that have actually SEEN the car.

The last owner new they had a leak which is why all those ATF bottles were there. Start looking for a used tranny. You'll just waste time and money trying to prove a transmission mechanic doesn't know what they are talking about.
Flushing a transmission just blows all the dirt that was caught in the ATF filter right back into the valve body and that's what will cause shift problems. The clutch packs are likely fried.

Plain and simple, you got exactly what you paid for: the transmission is shot. A proper flush, not just a drain and refill, takes several gallons of fluid to be run through the torque convertor under pressure until it comes out clean. That alone will set you back about $200 for enough fluid to do a proper flush and you do not posess the tools, so don't waste your money. Sell the car as-is or pay for a transmission rebuild.