Afternoon Nick, Hope the car is still going well in your hands now. Reverse gear is no issue!!! This is a common design in VW 6 speed range, the feeling you have maybe just the fact you've been driving a C2 previously Not sure on the whining noise, I don't remember this being a issue when I had the car. Germania gave the car a good clean going over and commented on the conditioning being very good. I'd take the car to VW or someone who has experience with the set up, they'll be able to tell you straight away if they're any concerns surrounding the gearbox Sam