[Earthworm]

Nice 308.

The harsh shifting could be just the mount (a common issue). Normally the clunk is more obvious when shifting into reverse.

There may also be a shift kit installed or the dropping resistor has been unplugged.

Does the power light come on (good) or flash (bad) when you start the car?

You also have the option of converting to a 5/6 speed manual which, in my biased opinion, completely transforms the car.