[mcthumber]

Shnail,

Since you're not getting much response to your question, I'll start by asking what might seem like a wiseguy question but it isn't---

Since the car is new to you and your wife, is it possible you are not always depressing the clutch fully when shifting? This could explain why it only happens occasionally and a 1/2 or 3/4 throw on the pedal would cause gear grinding and difficult shifting.

Just a thought....

--Mike