Broken gear shifter

What is your question?

Gear shifter (on column) broke. I had it in neutral at the time so it still starts but I can't drive it had to be towed to a shop they said $150 to fix. Next day they say $500 or more will have to tear steering column apart, dash board,etc. I was told needed a gear shifter assembly the cylinder part of the shifter that goes up and down back and forth busted in half. If it's the cylinder I can get for $50. It sounds shady that one day it's $150 next day $500 or more. Guy said he has to order different parts from salvage yard but won't tell me what parts. Then telling me has to order special part from another state lah de dah.. I'm on disability 59 yr old woman have general knowledge of auto parts used to work for auto parts store but a repair of this nature I'm not too familiar with. I watched as my son took steering column cover off from underneath slide the rubber boot off the shift lever and the whole thing was free moving like it did bust in two . Help? How can my son fix at home?