Hi everyone, just bought a nice i30 1.4 SE in white, with 45,000 miles.

Lovely car, but have an issue. Had a look in the search function but can't find anything specific to answer the problem, and wondered if anyone knows what it might be.

When cold it is very hard to engage gear, especially reverse and first and second. However if I go for a drive, like the other day, for say 5 or 6 miles it becomes easier. I had parked the car for 20 minutes, and when I drove it home afterwards the gears where as smooth and easy as you like. 

Any ideas what it might be, please? Thanks in advance 

[sundiz]

I would guess that the transmission oils needs to be changed.

[Shambles]

I would guess that the transmission oils needs to be changed.

Gearbox oil, perhaps.

My guess is you're suffering what a lot of us are/have been suffering from - the gear linkages get too tight when cold, making reverse/1st/2nd really difficult to engage.

[eye30]

When cold it is very hard to engage gear, especially reverse and first and second. However if I go for a drive, like the other day, for say 5 or 6 miles it becomes easier. I had parked the car for 20 minutes, and when I drove it home afterwards the gears where as smooth and easy as you like. 

Probably be best to have the gearbox oil changed as this seems to rectify the issue.

Ask at dealer for recommended oil as this issue is known by Hy Uk.

Also, have the gear linkages checked to make sure they are set correctly as they can stretch with use.