My 2000 GT has a T5 with unknown miles - the shifter is sloppy to the point where it is difficult to hit 2-3 while backhanding the lever. Are the cheap $69.99-$109.99 replacements on americanmuscle and related sites decent for daily driving and autoX, or would it be wise to invest a bit more?

 

You have a T-45 tranny
Pro 5.0, MGW, or Tri Ax are all great short throw shifters

 

^The T45 was swapped for a T5 before I bought the car.

 

The biggest issue now is 3rd gear lockout and 5-4 hitting Reverse.

 

I have a similar problem with the stock tranny, (01 gt) the car wont go into 3rd unless you wait a sec in neutral before pushing it in. I believe they are bad synchros mine being in 3rd gear transfer. Yours may or may not be the same issue...