Five speed auto reliability

[CameraJack]

Hi folks.

I'm looking to get myself another B5.5. I had a PD130 Sport estate a few years ago in pristine condition which I now massively regret getting rid of. I'm currently driving a PD130 mk4 Golf estate with the five speed auto 09A gearbox (Jatco JS506E) which has given me non-stop issues ever since I've had the car. Jerking, delayed shifts, Tiptronic shifts can be incredibly harsh, just awful gearbox - the car only has 105,000 miles on it as well. I've fitted all nine new solenoids, changed the fluid four or five times, changed the TCM, cleaned all the engine bay ground and wiring harnesses, and replaced the high and reverse clutch packs all in a bid to get it right and it just isnt. I've dropped £600 on trying to fix it and it's pretty worth worthless with the knackered box so I'm cutting my losses before I spend any more time or money on it.

Soooo I'm jumping back into another Passat. I love the idea of automatics and really enjoy my mk4 on the rare occasion that it's driving right. I think I'd prefer a manual just because I don't trust the auto boxes from VW in that period now. So I've been looking for a PD130 Highline with low miles but none are kicking around in my area - there are a couple of ones with auto boxes though...

Now I know these boxes are by ZF, not Jatco. Are they generally regarded as reliable? I don't mind taking a punt on one if they're known to be a good box (or have simple fixes), but I don't want to take another risk on what could be known to be a bad box. The 09A is supposed to be better than the dire 01M but I still managed to get a bad one!

Any advice would be appreciated on the matter. Cheers!