Thanks for the replies. Came to the same conclusion about getting a scrap one as the day progressed and I calmed down. Managed to get one for £30 plus p&p which even if it needs to be sent for reconning works out at under half the price of the Seat part. Just for information, the bottom quarter of an inch of the shaft sheared off cleanly around the circlip groove in the outer joint meaning that as long as I was driving in a straight line and not going over any bumps I was ok but as soon as I didn't the shaft pulled out. Must have occurred when that side took a heavy whack.