...interesting read so far to say the least.

for starters, i never said i am a good driver (hence the title!!!) so mate all u are really doing is stating the obvious.well done.
its being a learning curve this car. i came from a background of RWD nissans where the gearbox & drivetrain are much more stronger, and being rwd only there was less torque shock loading on those gearboxs then say in comparison to a awd gearbox. was I naive in thinking i can treat these awd drivetrains in the same way. yes, but again, its all a learning expirence. the first time i killed it, it wasnt from downshifting, so i am not sure where u got that assumption from.

k, thats enough of that. to everyone else thanks for all your advice and support. its being a lesson learnt, but as they say "play the game, know the rules"

6 speed ftw! will be seeing you in bout 7 weeks dougie lol