4kq occasionally stuck in third gear

[Leah and David Mueller]

I spoke with an owner of an 86 4kq advertised in local paper.  He has
apparently lost patience with the car after a major tune up, a used rad,
brakes and shocks all the way around.  It needs door handles all the way
around and a rubuilt sunroof.  Now even with an apparently new clutch from
previouse owner, the car gets stuck in third gear.  Is this total tranny
failure and how might one tell?  The car has high mileage of 300,000 kms. or
about 175,000 miles.

Thanks for you experience and thoughts.

David