First of all hello to everyone. I have just bought a 53 plate vrs estate with 96000 on the clock. It is totally standard and cost me £2000. I have just had the cambelt and waterpump done along with a service and tyres+tracking. The only issue is that the temp gauge is reluctant to get up half way. It does get there in the end but if you put the heat up a bit it drops slightly. Thermostat issue?

Sounds like thermostat yes. It's a pretty straightforward job to change.

Definitely your thermo and as stated easy peasey to change.

Thanks guys. Can you buy the thermostat on its own or do you have to buy the housing and orings etc?