Mysterious Transmission Problem

[joshaheen1]

I took my 1999 Saab 9-5 (164k miles, standard transmission) to a tire shop and got 4 new tires put on. (I have since learned that this franchise shop has a reputation for having unexperienced idiots work there).

I was not present at any moment in time when they worked on my car. After the work was complete, I returned to the shop, and drove my car approximately 5 freeway miles. I exited the freeway, stopped at a stop sign, and when i pulled out into the street I shifted cleanly from 1st to 2nd gear, and cleanly to 3rd gear but when I pushed the gas pedal there was no gear, I was in neutral...I shifted to 4th, still in neutral...I shifted to 5th, still in neutral!

To summarize, I now only have 1st and 2nd gear in my car (and reverse). This car has been absolutely amazing until this pivotal moment. Never at any point in time did my car present any hints that something of this nature would happen. Even in the moment, there was no indication that something had just gone wrong. No strange noise, absolutely nothing. I simply all of a sudden did not have 3rd, 4th or 5th gear.

I Took it to a Saab mechanic, and he says my linkage is fine, and that the problem involves my transmission, which he claims will be more costly than the car is worth.

Is it possible that the tire shop screwed up my car? They took it for a drive on the freeway to make sure the tires were good.

I think they screwed up my car. What do you think?