Transmission Problem?

looking to buy an older Civic from my buddy today and i took it out for a test drive. It is a 91 i believe and the transmission (automatic) is sticking at acceleration. From a stop, it chugs along, like its unable to find the gear. I keep letting off the gas, and reapplying pressure eventually it picks up and goes fine, but this is apparently common in this car. Feels like the E-brake is on when i accelerate. ANy ideas what this is and the cost of repairs?.. thanks alot

Sorry don't know much about the workings of the automatic on these cars. Only had one honda that was automatic and it only lasted for one weekend, next weekend it was 5 speed.