I'm ready to purchase 2003 Jetta Wagon 1.8T with 5 speed automatic ($2100). The car runs very well considering it has 175 000 + miles. Good service records. My 2 questions are:

1. Even though the auto transmission seems to shift very well, I could not find the dipstick to check the fluid level or fluid condition. Are these trannies serviceable? I can't find in the service records that the fluid was ever changed. Should I be concerned about this considering the mileage? What if the fluid was never changed, should I change it myself or leave it alone?

2. While the engine was running (again, it seems to run very well. I test drove for over half an hour) I removed the oil filler cap on top of the engine. There was a lot of puffing air coming out of that hole. Is that a bad omen?

Any other things I should be concerned about or look at closely? That info is most appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum.

I can show you the buyers guides and the problems they have for VW TDI models.