get someone with a scanner to see if any faults are showing should give you some sort of an idea what's going on, I do know there is a sensor on the gearbox and it can cause all kinds of problems if it shorts out, I have 2003 step speed ran badly but put my scanner on it and came up as a cam position sensor, put my spare one on today runs like new, good luck with yours.
Thanks to all the replies I've checked everything within my capability and think that it needs to go to a specialist. I think even if I brought the scanner and found a fault its going to need the gearbox out and I'm not sure I can either handle or spend the time on it at the moment. I will call one on Monday to see the approximate costs involved if too much she will have to go which is a pity as its very good body wise and only done 42k. Cheers Chris
Update I have contacted the specialist who although helpful on the phone can't look at the car at the moment or give me a date when they can which is very frustrating. After some thought I have decided to put the car up for sale as spares or repairs on a well known auction site detailing what I know about the gearbox. To let someone with more knowledge have a go or even break the car for spares which will be a same as she's in really good condition. Its not much good to me just sitting there. Thanks to everyone for their help and input.
