Looking @ 90 200TQ FS & won't go into gear.....any ideas or advice

[Adam P. Brodeur]

Hello all,

The local Ford dealership recently took a 1990 200TQ sedan in on trade.  It
has 129,000 miles and is in relatively good condition.  It was burried
pretty deep in the snow but from what I could see, the body looks relatively
good and has leather interior with the usually worn look to the drivers
seat.

I was told be the sales manager that the car runs fine and drove well until
it was sent to the auction to be sold (what a shame) and then it wouldn't go
into gear.  The Ford techs say it's the input shaft.  I don't know anything
about the 200 cars and don't have a clue what to look for on it.  If it is
this input shaft, what exactly does it do and what is the repair procedure.
Also, what else should I look for.  At this point, they want to wholesale
the thing cheap, like $1000 or so.  Is this a decent price, where I can't
even drive it...any advice would be greatly appreciated.  I'm going back on
Monday after it's shoveled out for a better look.

TIA,

Adam Brodeur
84 4KSQ