Mitsubishi Repair: problem car, auto tranny, eclipse gs

Question
ok, my g-f has a 99 eclipse GS w/auto tranny and there is something wrong with it. Here are the symtoms

1. Speedometer does not move until car hits 60mph
2. car does not shift out of first until 60mph
3. car sputters and sometimes dies when stopping.
4. tranny jerks and shifts hard

the car was driving fine until it suddenly decided to be a b**ch and start doing this

My best guess is a sensor but I dont want to limit it to possible one thing. Any suggestions on what different problems it could be?

Her mom is a sigle parent and they arent well off so we are trying to take care of this without speending lots of cash at a shop

Thanks very much for any help!!!!


Answer
Josh,
I'm not sure if this would be a cheap fix.  It sounds like something is wrong with her torque converter.  Unfortunely, that is neither an inexpensive part nor is it easy to replace.  The best advise I can give would be to bring the car to a garage that would offer a free estimate, and get all the facts on the problem.  Many garages will offer free estimates because they figure you will not take your car anywhere else once you get your car in there.  But there is no law that says you have to let the garage that gives the estimate actually repair the car.  It's good to shop around, and find the best price.
Good luck!