I have a 2000 Atlima, automatic transmission, 165k miles. Here's what the car is doing: it seems as though the RPMs are too high (?) because the car often sounds like we have our foot on the gas lightly, but constantly, during idle.
But, the bigger problem (to me) is that when we reach speeds of 60+mph the car sounds like it should be shifting into a higher gear, although it's already in 5th. At 60 mph, we are at 2500 RPMs, and over 3000 RPMs by the time we get to 70. This is during a constant driving, not just accelerating.
I am terrified to go over 65 mph on the interstate because the engine sounds like it's going to whir right out of the hood. Thoughts?