Crank sensor

[j976rna]

my crank sensor was a git to replace. awkward to get to and it was solid. i took the oil filter out to get better access

Yeah mine was the same, you have to remove the front engine mount, that's easy and sounds easy until you round off the Allen key bolt that's been in there for 13 years,which I did

[thai-wronghorse]

As mentioned, if it's a 96 and like the one pictured above it should be an AGG engine which will definitely have a crank speed sensor. They're a very common fault on these engines as the cable breaks down and crumbles away due to the heat given out from the engine block and oil cooler that it nestles between.
The part should cost around £50 and a garage shouldn't really be charging much more than an hours labour to fit it be honest.