It is most likely excessive engine movement caused by worn mounts, even though they may look good.
The other possibility is the shift and select cables are worn, binding, or a loose bracket, or shifter console.
This is assuming he put the gear in correctly.
You will get more for a running car, than parting it out (in most cases).
Last choice is get a used trans from junk yard and replace it, but I would look at existing mounts and cables first as well as shifter in console.
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Saturday, October 17th, 2009 AT 8:56 AM