It's back together and works. The key cylinder engages with the ignition switch; two separate parts held together with a small phillps screw. Took the ignition switch apart and found that one end of the spring that makes the key cylinder go back from 'START' to 'RUN' was broken off so the starter stayed engaged until I turned it back to 'RUN'.
In one way it’s entirely with $300
But if you’re going to rely upon this car there may be a head gasket issue and the thermostat open may be their temporary solution.
FWD manuals I know get sloppy with wear on the main shaft. Some fold sleeve that shaft and keep going much longer. And the AWD version is about the same with the main shaft but also shifter seems to get sloppy faster than FWD. shifter bushings solve that.