Transmission shift is not smooth. Problems with reverse gear

[hary]

Hi,
I have a 2007 mazda 3. I feel there is something wrong with the transmission. When I drive the car the gear shift is not smooth and produces little jerks which I find strange for an automatic transmission.
And when the car is cold putting it in reverse produces significant amount of jerks.
Since the last couple of days I have started noticing another symptom. When I start the car and put it in reverse its like doesnt want to move. I then have to put the car is drive and move it a little and put it in reverse which works fine then.
I am really worried about this state of the car.
Could you please suggest as to what could be wrong and roughly how much would it cost to fix it.

 

[concept]

How long has it been since your auto transmission fluid was changed? How many miles are on your car? What color is the fluid on the dipstick?

 

[hary]

I dont know the last time transmission fluid was changed on this car. I bought it last month. Its got 80000 miles on it. the color is dark red.

 

[concept]

Check the level while the fluid is warm/hot, exactly how the owner's manual describes it. The tranny will act strangely if its fluid is low. If you don't know when it was last changed, I'd do a drain and fill.

 

[CEESEE__]

Your gear may possibly be broken. I had the same issues. Time for a new tranny.

 

[BrianM3GS]

If there is an internal problem, it sounds more like clutches than gears. Either way, I agree with concept's approach: start with the fundamentals that the owner can check.