98 5speed reverse

I have a 1998 jetta K2 w/ 2.0 and a manual, 105K.
just lately it seems that the reverse isnt engaging all the way, or not at all and making horrible noises, it wont back up a slight incline at all. is this something in the shifter, or much worse, internal in the transmission?

How's the rest of the drive? 1st - 5th? Usually Aamco or other chain transmission shops are very inexpensive to look at the car to see what's wrong... they usually guarantee the work for a bit too.

It's the symptoms of a dying transmission.

i used to have a '97 2.0 GLS and it did the same thing, i had to hold it in reverse to get out of my driveway

i was told the synchro was going and the tranny had to be rebuilt but you may get different opinions