Since you change gears as the car speeds up, you must determine whether the noise is there over several gear-shifts or not. Some of the gears in the box are shared as you change ratios. Another common gear is the differential, which is also located in the same space
If it whines when in neutral then it is likely the alternator. Also check the battery condition, as if the battery had developed an internal short, the alternator would have to work harder
Thanks mate. I actually changed the battery about 3 weeks ago so the battery should be in good nick, but not sure about the alternator. It doesn't whine when I press the clutch down and disengage the gear box from the engine but we can hear it driving in 1st and 2nd gear, but then road noise gets too loud to hear it.
The car is going into Honda tonight so we should know what it is soon...
I really hope it isn't something to do with the gearbox as I don't think Honda UK will put anything towards it now even though they did a few years ago.
If it does turn out to be the gearbox, should I let honda do the work or would be better (cheaper) to take to an independant garage?
I was saying to my wife that if it turns out to be a grand to get it all sorted, we're wondering if its worth doing or just sell it and buy another car?