I would be very careful with using other coolants. If there is still any of the old stuff in the system and some other type mixes with it the two fluids might gel and plug cooling passages. Pentosin makes many of the factory fluids used in Volkswagens and similar cars. If I was not going to use the dealer's coolant Pentosin would be my other choice. They have 8 different formulas to choose from for all the various vehicles out there. Who knew there are so many? As for the transmission fluid, other vehicles also come with ZF transmissions and you may be able to get the correct fluid for yours cheaper that way. Just be sure that it really is ZF Lifeguard 8 that is just rebranded. Ever notice that the VW branded stuff is in the same style bottle? It just has a different label on it. You must check your cross references, this is how us VW owners with Aisin Warner transmissions have figured out what our fluid really is. That is made possible by forums for other vehicles that have the same transmissions. The OEM fluid is always a safe bet for people who are unsure what theirs really is.