Hi Ivan,
I recently replaced the starter on an 87 Syncro.  It is much easier on 
your 2WD.  If you drove for any length of time with the starter engaged I 
would think it would indeed be trashed....perhaps to the point of not 
bothering to rebuild it, as I did mine.  I would check with a few 
different shops on rebuilt starter prices...I got several widely varying 
estimates before I got mine off and decided to get it rebuilt.  You may 
need to get a new solenoid.  And I would check the ignition switch as 
well.

Good luck.

Sean

PS..the archives have good information on starter removal and the Bentley 
is straightforward.

Sean O'Corrain and Susan Zager

'87 Syncro GL
'68 Beetle (Automatic)
'96 Jetta (WOW! Fast)