Bad sound by transaxle

I have a 2001 Villager. About a month ago I was told a motor mount needed to be replaced, not sure which one and it hasn't been done . Yesterday, the automatic transaxle slipped in first gear and then wouldn't go in reverse when my wife parked it. When I start it up it did go into reverse and I hear a definite but inconsistent sound by the transaxle in neutral and in first but the dealership thinks its the engine and wants to tear it down for $700.00. Could the motor mount be causing this problem?

Thanks

you may have a bad cv axle or seal in the tranny that conencts the axle. lift the car up and look for grease and oil along that area.