Does the manual transmission need to be replaced on my 1996 VW Golf?(197,000 miles) It knocks loud in reverse?

Question

Does the manual transmission need to be replaced on my 1996 VW Golf?(197,000 miles) It knocks loud in reverse?

Answer 1

I had the same thing happen on my 97 jetta.  I drove it until I had no reverse at all.  When I finally took the financial plunge to fix it, only the reverse gear was damaged and it was replaced by an independent shop for $700.  The car was a stick.  

The 96 and 97's were notorious for the reverse gear failing.  I owned a Pizza chain and most of my drivers who owned VW's from that period had to have the reverse fixed.  

Answer 2

That means your reverse gear is chipped.  We have customers that have been driving around like that for years.

Answer 3

Its not ideal but i'd be more concerned if it was knocking in forward gears. I'd stick with it for the likely cost of any repair will far exceed the value of the car.