Auto Parts: transmission & radiator life span, independent mechanics, pan gasket

Question
Mike,

This is in regards to a 1995 Acura Integra, for which you advised recently on a pulsating brake issue.  I am the original owner and have taken good care of the car though both the dealer's and independent mechanics.  The car currently has 173,000 miles, and I am thiking of getting about three more years' use out of the car, to continue to save money.  

I will be needing to take care of the aforementioned brake problem and do a 180K mile tune up soon.  
1. Could you tell me generally, whether the transmission and radiator have an expected life span?  The transimission was replaced via manufacturer's warranty, and is 11 years old (vs. 14 years for the whole car) with a new clutch from 2 years ago.  The radiator is a 14 year old original.
2. Mechanics have told me the oil pan is seeping.  Is this to be expected around an old engine, or should it be a source of concern?
I know I can't expect an expert to be a forecaster of the car's failure.  But I was wondering whether there is any general life expectancy with these more major components, to help me best decide whether to maintain the trusty car or move on.  Thank you.

Answer
    So far as the transmission goes, there is no real reason to expect it to fail.  If it is treated gently it could easily last five or ten more years.  The clutch, on the other hand, will wear and should be serviced when needed.  The radiator is of the type that uses an aluminum core crimped to plastic tanks.  Neither the plastic nor the aluminum should be expected to corrode and fail, provided that the approved type of coolant is used.  The usual reason for replacing one of these radiators is breakage from an accident or clumsiness under the hood.
    An oil pan seeping could be anything from a too-often reused oil plug gasket to a tired-out oil pan gasket to a cracked oil pan.  If you are not losing a noticeable amount of oil between changes (more than a quart), then I would not worry about it much.  It might not be a bad idea to purchase a new plug and gasket from the dealer and have them installed at the next oil change.  Other than that I would not do anything.  There is no way that any of these possibilities could result in a catastrophic loss of oil, unless the plug falls out while the car is being driven.  These cars, and Hondas in general, are frustrating to most mechanics because very little ever goes wrong with them.