Literally the temp gauge takes forever to start  moving up, when it does it never even reaches half....I wouldn't mind but in this weather I want more than a tepid draft from my heaters. =/

 

Suggestions? (Other than a coat  )

Does it come up to temp if it's left idling? Then drop off when you are driving?

Thermostat stuck open, very common on this engine. Replace it.

Or coolant temp sensor

Could be either or both

It seems to warm quicker when idling yes.

But is very lumpy when ticking over to the point the lights are all dimming as its luctuating between 700-1000 rpm, as I open throttle and the engine hits 2000rpm the fluctuating stops but still never really comes up to temperature?

Or coolant temp sensor

Could be either or both

 

OP says the heater isn't getting hot so it has to be the thermostat, it's awkward to get at behind and beneath the coilpack next to the battery box with one of the gear linkages in the way. Good luck, mine was about £15 but it ran so much better afterwards.

still could be both and at that age it wouldn't surprise me

still could be both and at that age it wouldn't surprise me

 

I agree, OP should replace both the CTS and the thermostat and flush the rad and replace the coolant while he's at it.