To change or not to change
 

Just bought an 05 neon. It's in great condition. The previous owner had it for 4 years and I was told did an oil change every 3,000 miles. Although they never did a transmission fluid change, the fluid still has a reddish tint to it and doesn't smell burnt. I did notice that sometimes when it downshifts from 2nd to 1st it shifts down kind of hard. I was thinking of doing a fluid and filter change but hear so many stories about changing transmission fluid if it's never been changed before and having all kinds of problems afterwards. Also, heard that it might be a solenoid pack problem. Before I do anything, I would like to hear some feedback from you guys. Buy the way, the car has 112,000 miles

Just don't have a shop do a flush (backflush) and it'll be fine. Either do it yourself or have a shop simply do a fluid change.