Volkswagen Repair: 99 golf gears hitting hard?, rebuilder, private seller

Question
I am looking to purchase a 1999 golf from a private seller,great inside and out,only issues that troubles me is that when the car shirft it hits pretty hard.
it happens mostly when shifting down.
transmission bad?
please let me know.

Answer
Hi Cole;
Sounds like an automatic transmission.  Am I right?  There are crossleaks in the valvebody of the transmission that cause this.  Ultimately this car will require a transmission, and pretty soon, too, I'll bet.  Is it mostly down into second gear?  That is the most common complaint.  There are rebuilt transmissions for these cars that are vary reliable, but you have to get, in writing, a statement form the rebuilder that a complete "master" rebuild kit was installed for warranty purposes, and to cover yourself in case of a future failure.  Master kits include not only the clutches, and steels, but also include all of the bushings necessary to support the shafts inside, and the latest kits available are MAJOR improvements over the originals, and actually help stiffen things up.  Without a master kit in the rebuild, move on.  Hope this helps you make a decision, Cole.  Good luck.