First let me mention that ive only driven a manual car a few times, and i dont know a hell of alot about em. I know how the transmission works basically etc.

What i need to know is how can i tell if there is a problem with any part of the transmission itself.

I am looking into buying a manual car and cant take someone with me to every car i check out so i need to know what im looking for.

Thanks in advance for any information

When test driving the car, check all gears, make sure there are no strange noises coming from the gearbox it self. Ensure each shift is smooth, up and down. Don't forget to check reverse as well.

Also test the condition of the clutch, do this by driving the car up an incline in a high gear and check for slipping.

Just as a note it is not a transmission... it's a gearbox! lol

When i test manuals i feel for clutch shudder (vibrations when releasing the clutch slowly), slippage, thrust bearing noise, smooth synchromesh when changing gears (down & up), any vibrations / noise from the gearbox, check reverse and how easy it is to get it in reverse and of course service history on the car.