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I have had similar symptoms in regular (non-car) tape decks here and there. From my experience, which may be completely inadequate here, I know of a few reasons, listed in random order:
1. Whatever thing initiates the switch of tape direction got stuck.
2. There's too much friction somewhere, and that makes the deck think that the tape has got to an end.
3. One of the sensors that senses the tape moving doesn't work.
I'd try getting a cleaning tape, or any other tape that has almost 1:1 "gear ratio" -- i.e. very little tape in it, like 1/16th of an inch or so. If this makes the problem go away, it's quite definitely friction. Although, since you've tried with different tapes, probably this method of narrowing it down won't work.
You say it's "all of a sudden", i.e. no prior worsening of situation? It may be friction but probably not friction due to slow wear of something, more like something getting jammed.
Or a belt jumping from the pulley. If a rubber belt has jumped, get a replacement - the original one is stretched and will jump off again in no time. Sound repair places should have a lot of belts of different widths and lengths. Get something that fits close enough. Forget about using the everyday creamy-yellowish latex rubber band as a replacement.
Taking the thing out and getting it powered from a bench power supply will make life much easier on you. A small 12V "fanny pack" rechargeable battery with fused (!) cable will do in place of power supply. Make sure the battery is fused, or the supply has current limit (a fuse on the low-voltage side will do), ideally with foldback. You don't want to burn copper tracks on the boards inside just due to slipped screwdriver. And please forget about taking that thing apart in the car for "a quick look". You loose one small spring and you may not be able to find it without a lot of light and major teardown of car's interior. Don't ask me how do I know :)
If you have some time, have a look at it first. You may save some money. And the sound place may break more things that they fix, if an "average" mechanic shop is any indication of overall quality of mechanical/electrical repair services available. Just be careful, if things don't want to open have a second look at them, maybe after a good nights sleep.
Cheers, Kuba
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