Never really heard much about this being an issue. Thankfully mine is okay so far.
2008 isn't the first year of the 3.6/A6 in the epsilon. 2007 was in the G6 GTP and Aura XR. I had one (G6 GTP), never had any issues. Had 45K on it when I traded it in for the Malibu.Haven't noticed any leaks on mine. Maybe it was an 08 problem. Never buy a new car the first year it comes out.
For your "1981"?My syncros are shot I can barely get it into 3rd, any suggestion on wheter to rebuild, buy reman, swap a used one, or sell the car?