O/T: '95 VW Jetta Question -- Anybody?

[Kalevera]

Guys...

I've got the opportunity to pick up a '95 Jetta 5 speed w/ 127k on the clock for very little or no money. My intention is to fix it for my brother, who's currently car-less (although, yeah, I'd rather see him in a bimmer).

Car had just gotten a $1400 A/C & engine service when this happened. Symptoms are: owner exited off the highway, put the car in 2 and the clutch just sank to the floor. He got it over to the side of the road, shut the car off and physically pulled the clutch pedal back to normal height. Now, the clutch won't engage (not sure if that means it's always in or what, but that's what he said).

Stealer says it needs a new trans at $3500+

My thinking (and I haven't seen the car yet) is that the master and/or slave cylinders are shot, or -- even easier -- there's a ruptured hydraulic line.

Any ideas? I've never touched a VW before. If it does need a tranny, where can I get a used tranny for little money?

best, whit

EDIT: I guess the clutch has to be OUT, because he says that the car starts and the engine runs fine.