Manual trans. shifting problem

Not really - the whole lot is bathed in oil. My initial suspicion would be a misaligned shifter. This is the first thing to check. If the shifter is fine, then you start worndering if it's a gearbox problem.

Really not true. All C900 gearbox components are readily available (not cheap, but available). Because of the prices, it's generally a good idea to try to source a good used gearbox first.

I found quite a few used gearboxes on ebay.

Fairly cheap too for saab stuff.

Isn't a misaligned shifter a gearbox problem?

The mechanic(s) said they could get it to slide by using a long enough pry bar but otherwise...

What is a C900? I've seen others use the term but have no idea what is meant by it.

Well, that depends on your definition of misaligned shifter ;-) I was using the term to mean a misalignment between the shift rod which is part of the gear lever mechanism with the shift rod which is part of the gearbox.

This would produce the symptoms you describe, but is a trivial fix.

Classic 900 (1979-1993), as opposed to the GM butchered new shape 900 (New Generation, NG900) which came afterwards. Two very different cars.

"Everett try MTL REDLINE