I recently purchased a 2006 Vauxhall Vectra Elite 1.9 TDCI automatic, only to find the gearbox to be in pretty bad shape. As I began to drive it it was barely pulling and very slowly reaching any type of speed. This got worse as I drove. At a high speed it seemed fine, like fifth gear was ok, but when I had to stop it wouldn't then select any gear until you left it sitting, and then would only barely pull away and wouldn't at all if there was any incline.

It showed up numerous problems at the Vauxhall dealer, who told me to replace or recondition the gearbox at great expense. Since then another mechanic has tested it and put in a few litres of gearbox fluid, which made the car operate perfectly for 50 miles before stopping again. The mechanic now says he can do no more. Can anybody help?