[jsgold]

When you look at the fluid on a car that is not running, and has not been warmed up, you are not looking at the actual level. Fluid levels have to checked when car is hot and in idle, on level area. If the fluid was black I would assume that the fluid has never been changed and is badly discolored (lack of good maintanance). If you can't see any fluid after driving, then fluid is too low. The level will drop when running as fluid is being pumped while running/idleing. When you shut off it settles back down and the fluid level raises. Again, it should only be checked while running, in park, after being warmed up for a while. Only reason to check it otherwise would be to see how dirty it is. Sounds like it has been run a lot without ever changing fluids and most likely low as well. Most likely leaking. Fluids should be bright red and should be at full mark when hot. If yellow, brown, or black, it just has not been well taken care of. I would be cautious on this car myself.