Originally Posted by JARblue

I like the way you think I'm certainly no expert, but I'll clarify my thoughts a bit:

If you're having the problem trying to shift into first while moving, then that's probably something you can avoid altogether by just not doing it. Second gear should be sufficient unless maybe going uphill very slow. If you're sitting at a stoplight and you can't put it in first gear, that sounds like your synchros, which is something I would address sooner rather than later. How many miles are on the car?