I have located a 96 SSEi with 180k with tons of new parts. But i dont want to go on a 2 hour each way trip for nothing like last time. Its shifting hard between 1st and 2nd gears he says. He wants $1500 for it and its 2 hours away but in decent shape. I dont wana buy something thats gona be costly to repair. Any suggestions on what it could be? I dont have a car anymore as i sold mine and now have nothing!

Take a look here.

Likely it is having a trans issue that will be costly.