Hello,

First post on VW forums but not my first VW. I recently purchased an 05' mk4 GTi 1.8T automatic with 79,000 miles on it for $3,500 in todays market. Thought it was a steal! The previous owner identified some issues with shifting - Occasionally it shifts rough going from 3rd into 4th gear and sometimes drops from 4th into neutral and I have to essentially put it into park to bring it back into gear.

Now, I've only had it a few days and have managed to replicate it three different times (in a row) when I started the vehicle and drove off cold. A local transmission shop quoted the previous owner $6,400 and recommended replacing the entire transmission. My dad who has a bit of experience with vehicles, suggested I change the trans fluid (It's brown now) and clean the TCM before going any further with transmission replacement.

Anyone experience anything similar or have any advice?