When I first picked up my new vRS back in October 04, first gear was almost impossible to engage. Very little seemed to make it easier, even warmed up it was obstructive.

I was seriously considering rejecting the car; the one I had test-driven certainly was nothing like that.

The supplying dealer told me Skoda UK wouldn't let them look at the box until it had covered 5000 miles. At the 10k service, I was told it was now 15k before they could look at it. Come the 20k service, it was still being obstructive, although to a lesser degree than when new. I was informed by the dealer that if they did any work on it and found no fault I'd be liable for labour costs (great warranty!) despite the fact that they themselves described it as "not how it should be".

Last week, with 23k on the clock, it went in as the dealer agreed that they could do some exploratory work under warranty. Two days later (thankfully as the courtesy Fabia 1.2 was late back, I got an Octy 2.0 FSI Ambiente estate) following a gearbox dismantle and a change of oil, I picked the car up again and sadly I can barely detect any difference.

Anybody else had a reluctant first gear? And more importantly anyone managed to get it rectified?

Also wondering what my next course of action should be. Give the dealers another go? Try another dealer? Contact Skoda Customer Services?

Kinda tempted to swap the car after being so impressed with the Octy 2 but not really feasible from a financial view point :(

mines an early 53 and not had any problems engaging gears, though I believe the gear boxes changed in 04.

I'd be tempted to try another dealer as the one your going to sound a little unhelpful - can't believe they wanted to charge you labour if they couldn't find the cause when they agreed there was a fault.

I have the new 04 box, and it is stiff in the mornings. Soon warms up though. I can only assume there's something in it that doesn't like cold weather and starts. 2nd gear is also pretty stiff on cold mornings.

Like I say, all is OK after I get going so its nothing I'm fussed about.

i have found mine to be difficult to engage when cold and when slowing down to junctions it just doesnt want to go in until i lift the clutch and try again but is much better when warm..

Best gearbox I've ever had, guess I'm just lucky then.

my first gear has always been nice and smooth warm or cold but 2nd to 3rd is a bit snatchy. I get a new vRS tommorow so here's hoping i get a good one.

55 plate vRS and don't really have any problems with 1st at all. If the car is still moving sometimes it can be a bit reluctant but my last car was like that, if it's down to like 1 or 2 mph or stationary then no problem.

2nd however is really very notchy, hopefully it'll loosen up. It's not bad enough to warrant taking it back but it's more notchy than the rest. Other than that no probs.

i have found mine to be difficult to engage when cold and when slowing down to junctions it just doesnt want to go in until i lift the clutch and try again but is much better when warm..

All cars are difficult to engage into 1st gear when the car is moving. I collected my brand spanking New Silver VRS on Tuesday and have been very impressed by how smooth the gearbox is. Sounds like your dealer is being arsey and I would start turning the screw a bit!!

My gearbox is perfectly fine. Also the best i've had.

also got mine in october 04, never had a problem with gearbox, been fine since day one.

sounds like your dealer is just trying to pan you off till its out of warranty, id go to another dealer and contact skoda customer services.

and it is stiff in the mornings.

a bit of morning glory Jason?!!!

Mines excellent, like a knife through butter when warm.

Cold mornings still smooth but you can feel the notches 1st & 2nd but nothing significant.

Like others above, best, smoothest gearbox I've had in donkeys years. My old Mk3 Cortina 2000 GXL was probably the last really good box and sold that in 1980.

My son runs the wifes old 1980 1.3 Golf and old as it is, with about 60k miles (genuine) its also smooth as silk although a bit less positive. We've had it more than 20 years and still going strong. Must be a VW group thing.

GB

I picked up a brand new vrs on Saturday and it's shifts perfectly... mind u anything is an improvement on the saxo vtr's gearbox

Thankfully mine's lovely, it's easily the best gearbox ive ever had. I think you should "keep on" at your dealer, something's obviously not right with yours.

Best gearbox ever!

Try a saxo gearbox and then you know what bad is! lol it can be alittle rough feeling from first to second when cold but once it is warm it's a dream.

Make another complaint to Skoda UK saying it is no better, if they really wont help speak to your local CAB and take it from there.

No problems whatsoever, it's a dream to use

The solution is to pass on the rear position and after you pass on the first gear position (this is the same problem with felicia models

T'is great

I drive a hell of a lot of 6-Speed boxes and the VAG one is fantastic IMHO - no problems engaging any gear thankfully.

Well, I'm VERY happy to report that after a blunt email to Caffyns in Tunbridge Wells, copied to Skoda UK Customers Services, my car's been in for its 30k oil change and was inspected by the area technical chap. The gear linkage has been adjusted manually and now it's "one of the best I've driven" according to said technician.

With my main gripe on this car now sorted, I'm a happy bunny and am now not dreading journeys through town anymore.

Well' date=' I'm VERY happy to report that after a blunt email to Caffyns in Tunbridge Wells, copied to Skoda UK Customers Services, my car's been in for its 30k oil change and was inspected by the area technical chap. The gear linkage has been adjusted manually and now it's "one of the best I've driven" according to said technician.

With my main gripe on this car now sorted, I'm a happy bunny and am now not dreading journeys through town anymore.[/quote']

Glad its now sorted. But 30K to solve a problem like that which they agreed wasnt right :thumbdwn: I wouldnt be using that dealer again.

I understood most of the delay was down to Skoda UK allegedly not allowing the problem to be investigated and the fact that I'm too lazy to take the car to the garage any more than I have to. Better late than never... I'm planning on keeping the car at least another 3-4 years.