Cheers for the replies
Only had the car 2 years and its only 3.5 years old should it have lost all its oil in that time? there's no leak
Going to have another word with the guy when I take my scooby in for new pads. I have no idea where a gearbox specialist would be here in Cambridge, will do a bit of hunting. If I can find anyone I'm thinking of getting a repair if its cheaper.
I am guessing ity hasn't got a ballistic mileage on it so it should not be a worn out box as such. It is unlikely to have used the oil, could have lost it due to leakage but there would be signs of the leak although gearboxes tend to hold-1-2l as a rule of thumb. It may be it was incorrectly filled when new.
Silly question i am assuming it is a manual, not an auto?
Get a second opinion - ideally from someone you know and trust.
To add there is a place i used in Northampton which is very good, used by a lot of the local garages to rebuild gearboxes. I took in a Mitsi gearbox and was very pleased - when i spoke to them on the phone the guy immediately knew what the weak points where with that particular box and how much/what was required - i know as i had researched it well before spending my hard earned.
It is probably a bit far for you to travel, i would ask in the relevant 'Regional' section (East Anglia?) if anyone can reccommend a specialist if i was you.
Good luck.