I am looking at purchasing an accord. The owner said the brakes have been replaced recently. Is it normal to have the pads replaced in 37k miles ?

2000 Saturn LW wagon, automatic trans When the car is cold and just driving around town everything shifts fine. However, occassionally if I drive the car for about an hour (highway) the service engine light comes on and the trans slips a little when I get off the highway and start driving in town again. Brake fluid is almost at max (manual says this is also the hydraulic clutch fluid). Is it low trans fluid? Manual says I don't need to check the trans fluid. I found the cap for it, but no dipstick. I had my oil changed two days ago and I asked if they would check and he said they did but I can't be absolutely sure.