That is the difference between automatic and standard. My dude has 1994 accord with 238K miles. He says it is still running like a stallion.

Figure it out what is the problem; you may need to pay little money to dealer to get the exact answer. Then decide what to do, labor cost is very high and you may end up bad choice or it may be good one. You know the car and even the shell is good, some one will go replacing the transmission. Get idea but you are the one to decide.