This is a 2000 Buick Regal w/3.8L SC V6 with just over 50K miles.
I noticed that the transmission suddenly began slipping very badly without any warning. Fortunately this happened two blocks from the dealer.
The dealer said the pan was 'full of metal shavings' and recommended a replacement with a rebuilt one which, apparently, can't be found west of the Rockies. Cost is about $2,600. Plus they found the left tie-rod end was worn at the hub for another $600.
Maybe I've been lucky, but I'm kind of used to getting at least 90K miles on a car before something like this happens. Up until now, the car was very reliable (except for the bad HVAC display heads they put in all the cars and later replaced for free.)