I have a 97 Jetta 5 speed manual transmission with 85K miles. While driving in 2nd or 3rd gear and after releasing the gas pedal, I hear a repetitive noise similar to the sound of a playing card in the spokes of a bicycle. The noise is coming from the transmission.

I have been advised to replace the transmission (with a used transmission - quoted at $1300) rather than open up the transmission and try to replace parts. Any advice?

 

you could repace it new for that much