Over the last few weeks my 8 year old Multipla has started jumping out of third gear. The problem is getting worse and has gone from occasional to every 5 seconds or so (whilst I am in 3rd). It also makes a grinding noise which can be heard most clearly at low speeds (ie going slowly backwards and forwards in my drive).
I'm rubbish at fixing cars so took it to a garage who, without looking at it, told me to take it to a gearbox specialist (Bexhill Gearboxes) as I needed a new gearbox. Took it to another garage who quoted me £900 to fit a new gearbox. This garage did take a quick look underneath and said he didn't think it was a cable problem and so was probably the gearbox. He also said he thinks the noise is probably from the gearbox.
Since I wouldn't have a clue as to whether he is right or not, and I can't afford to spend this money unless it is completely necessary, I wondered if anyone else has had this problem and if they can confirm it is the gearbox.
Have searched this forum already for answers but most people who have gearbox problems seem to have problems getting into first rather than jumping out of third.
Thanks

But it happens !

In any gearbox of such an age this usually happens when the bearings holding both the shafts parallel get some slack in them. The gears are constantly in mesh and the mechanism that holds the bits that engage the gears (in effect sending the power train via another route between the two shafts through other meshing gears) gets slack and can't hold itself in.

An alternative would be to get a scrap gearbox. You might be lucky and get a box from a 2-3 year-old car, or at least a low mileage one and then all you will need is a day's labour to pay. But also replace the clutrch whilst you are in there. A lady on the UK Multipla forum recently had the same problem and bought a crashed one cheaper than the gearbox repair and put the box in from the donor car she bought. Now she is selling off the rest of the car in pieces. She might well make a profit in the end.

cheers
mish

Thanks for the help missionary. Guess I have to bite the bullet and find the money somehow.

missionary said:

A lady on the UK Multipla forum

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Sorry to spam.........
what?! where?! who?! Whats the UK Multipla Forum?, can PM me details to prevent more spamming if you like?