KateMacMac@WORLDNET.ATT.NET writes:

<<....I was taking it easy in 3rd.  As traffic moved on I attempted
to shift to 4th, but my VW didn't  want to shift.  She liked 3rd so
much, she decided to stay there.  >>

Hello,

While you usually get some sort of advance notice of upcoming
failure, this sounds like a cracked 3rd/4th gear clutch hub.  The
last Syncro trans I did the owner only stated that it was difficult
to engage 3rd once the trans was 'warmed' up.  After opening
the case up the 3rd/4th hub rim fell out into my hands.  Stella's
problem might be similar in that the hub cracked and shifted
thus jamming the 3rd/4th slider onto 3rd gear.

Rebuilt transaxles run the gauntlet from $750 (how dey do dat?)
to well over $2200 for VW remans.  99% of my customers don't
ask for them but you might want to consider getting the replaced
parts back.  Or at least, if possible, take a look at the innards
once the transaxle is disassembled.

Don't be afraid to ask questions!!

The best way to determine if the shop is on the up-and-up is by
doing just that.  Take a list of questions in with you and write down
the answers given.  If asked why you are doing so tell them that
you have a friend who is a professional VW mechanic and that
they wanted to know just what was going to be done.   A reputable
shop will be more than willing to walk you through each step and
answer any and all questions to the point where you are satisfied.

Good Luck!

-Todd Hill
 VolksWerks Transaxles
 Olympia, WA
 360-412-0948