05 Beetle won't go over 50

[big A]

I'm looking at buying an 05 Beetle from Kijiji, the guy says it has transmission problems because it won't go over 50. It's priced about $1,500 less than anything else similar to it and about fifty thousand kilometers less. Does anyone know what I should be looking out for as far as cost or problems. The check engine light was on but I didn't have my OBD reader with me, I'm going back tomorrow to look at it again.

Thanks

[Maxx Mazda]

If you're sure it's the transmission, I would think you could swap in another one for less than $1500, so it. May end up being a good deal.

[speedog]

Could it possibly be in some sort of safe mode?

[G-ZUS]

I used to see that lots in older Nissans/Infinitis.. would always be the MAF. You would have to scan it and see what codes it's throwing, otherwise we're just guessing

[big A]

Thanks for the tips so far, gives me something to consider of I make an offer.

[revelations]

Some folks have tried disconnecting the MAF temporarily to isolate the issue (with success).