Ok so ive realized when I take off from a stop theres a slight jerk shifting into 2nd (around 20mph). Its not really hard but noticeable. I do not feel it for any other gears. Ive put the car in most driving scenarios (stop and go etc..) and theres no slipping either. Just a hard shift from 1st to 2nd. What could be the cause?

I intend on doing a tranny filter and fluid replacement when I get the funds. Too see if that clears it up.

I'm not a trans. man, but you should be able to notice a slight jerk @ any upshift unless you let up on throttle going downhill. The more torque that you apply thru engine @ shift point the more you will the shift.

Does it seem to be shifting at the appropriate road speed, or delaying and upshifting hard?

Does it seem to be shifting at the appropriate road speed, or delaying and upshifting hard? Seems to be upshifting at the proper speed. Its just a little rough when it does which is my cause for concern.