I suppose my first question would be: "Are they all this bad?" The car is a 2010 1.33 VVTi, 6 speed with about 34k miles.  It has been regularly serviced by the main dealer and on the last service I asked them to drive it because I thought the gearbox was diabolical for a modern (ish) car. The dealer said it was normal (how many times have you heard that?).  It is/was my Dad's car but since he can longer drive, I'm now chauffeur, he wouldn't let me drive it when he was able so I don't know