I am looking to buy a 2010 Corolla. 5 speed manual transmission (salvaged from used) and clutch assembly (new) are recently replaced. Owner is private, Garage owner. 199,500 miles drives great. I wonder I why the transmission would be destroyed so early in its life. But, it is. Anyway the used one should be fine with luck. $3,800. I think for this used car environment its a steal. Scratches and front bumper assembly is cracked on the bottom from curbs or Michigan snow piles. been underneath no rust. Alabama car.
The transmission may have been damaged by a driver new to manual transmissions who kept grinding gears. However I'd have a mechanic go over that car very carefully to see what else might be wrong with it since it may have been subject to other abuse.
I wonder I why the transmission would be destroyed so early in its life.
I'm curious in what shape is the engine.
The engine ran great when I test drove it. No clatter when idling at a stop with the hood up. It seemed peppy. I know it isn't a race car but seemed fine.
I agree with @chucktobias about having checked it by a mechanic.