Thinking about buying... suggestions

I recently having a friend willing to unload a '97 9000cse turbo, 145,000 miles but stuck in first gear. sounds like a tranny job to me, the clutch only has 20,000 miles on it. worth it? estimates on that tranny job are running upwards of 1500. any info on this, anyone who is having or who had similar problems would be appreciated. thanks.