my gear box went early morning today. had to call out the AA, he said it was the leakage off at the gearbox end. he reconnected it but it still didnt feel right so took it to the garage and they saying its going to cost me a £176 inc VAT for a new one to be put in as if i dont get it done, the same thing can happen at any time and apparantly its a common problem in corsa's? is the price reasonable or is it a rip off?

Sounds like you mean the gearbox linkage.
Most of the cost will be the labour charge - buy the part yourself and im sure one of the good people on here will be able to fit it for you.

theyr starting work on it tomorrow, i might have enough time to get a second opinion.