[Pinecone]

Sounds like a clutch problem. If the clutch won't release, the gers will grind even with good syncrhos. Just like sitting an brand new car, starting it and trying to shove it into gear without pushing in the clutch.

The key yo me, is that it works better with the engine off.

If you feel up to working on it, I would offer an amount that is less than teh asking by the cost of a shop doing the clutch (parts and labor) That way if you infd some other problem, tyou have some slck.

Or offer the cost of clutch AND tranny replacement.