Son just purchased Fabia Mk1 1.4 (8V) petrol to learn to drive.

Forward gears work fine, but when you stop have great difficulty selecting reverse.

Car been standing at dealers for about 3 months. Can take up to 10 attempts to engage, putting the car into 3rd or 5th seems to help, but still have to "slam" it to engage reverse.

Spoke to main dealers they say no regular fault on this model, but bring it along and we we investigate (for a kings ransom).

Looked on forum, some talk of "the dogbone" needs changing.

Is this a gearbox mounting or the selector for the gearbox?

Can any body offer any help?

You've tried the "select a forwards gear first" trick.

Makes me think it might be the gear linkage adjustment or the dogbone mount (which is what the site search facility is for; think of the kittens).

Also, what sort of mileage has it done? Some of us have had good results in freeing up sticky gear selection from changing the transmission oil (more likely on high mileage cars).

Mileage is 68000. Noticed the "select forward gears first" on the forums so now always use this, it is 3rd and 5th that seem to work best.

Might be worth trying a gear oil change then. No positive recommendations for brands, but VAG gearboxes don't like Silkoline gear oils (based on experience).Or get someone competent to check the dogbone (you'll know when you find them because they'll understand the question and do it for nothing in 5 mins while you wait if they've a lift free).