Used purchase. Seek timely guidance.
 

Was looking at a 2002 Protege DX 5-speed 155k miles last night. It runs, but is not driveable. Something is wrong with the shifter, or maybe trans. Owner said it happened suddenly while driving. What I can describe is this...

Clutch in, car starts. While in first, second, fourth, reverse, AND neutral, as clutch is released car slowly starts to stall. It's as if the tranny is locked. If in third or fifth the car does start to move. At that time I was debating if I could pick it up late at night and drive with only 3rd and 5th. Maybe, but with no neutral I think it's a tow job.

Some weeks ago owner took it to some chain transmission place and was told issue is not with transmission, but with the shifter. I suppose they mean the shifter linkage. I will say nothing seems amiss when going into and out of gear. It's only when the clutch is released that the problem presents. Trans place said they'd have to drop the trans for a couple hundred and repair shifter. Owner seems very trustworthy and by my judgement is being open and honest about the car.

Does the above sound familiar to anyone here? In other aspects the car is fine. If I could get this fixed for less than $500 it would be a good deal.