The dipstick in queation here is the worst I have ever seen or experienced. The car is covered in details that make it easy to service and own:

-light in the fuse box and spare fuse drawer

-release tabs that allow the hood to be fully upright

-most bulbs that can be changed without tools

-headlights and fog lights that can be aimed by hand

-disable feature on the door switches

-simple-to-change serpentine belt

-front grill easily removeable without tools

-all the other fluid checks and fills easily accessible

When I discovered the location of the tranny dipstick and how it is removed I was in shock and still am. I looked in the owners manual and I don't even think it is mentioned in there how to chek it- it isn't listed on the back with all the other such checks in the color diagram, but the windshield washer fluid is.

If you intend to create an extension for it be sure to use something light weight- I suggest some plastic tubing like PVC or maybe some thin-walled brass (that would look cool polished!) or similar amterial. Also be sure to supply some sort of upper support so that the lenghtened stick's mass does not cause it to dislodge or damage the seal and cause fluid loss or introduction of dirt into the tranny.

My solution is just to check it cold.