jdavenport21

Hey guys I'm new on here and I have a 1997 Audi A4 1.8T FWD non quattro with an automatic Transmission. The car was given to me cause my old car blew the motor but this one also has some problems and I need help and insight. The car starts fine and runs but when I put it into gear (either drive or reverse) it will act like its in neutral and rev high then finally drop into gear once in gear it will start to drive but then will slip out of gear shortly after staying in gear for maybe 30 seconds. If I do need a new transmission can I switch to a manual? I would much rather have the manual than the auto and if so how much would this cost... since the car was free I am willing to drop some cash into the car to make it more reliable. Sorry for the long post and thanks for any help.