Jeep Cherokee 2004 lost synchro to 1st

[g.model]

Hi
I accidentally posted this in the poll section first!
Admin may want to delete that ( I can't)
I'm just after some advice.
We've had a Jeep Cherokee 2.4l manual for about 5 years. It's got about 160,000 km on it.
It's been great for teaching kids to drive in and the 3rd child has now gotten their licence. The trouble is the gears won't go into 1st from 2nd without coming to a complete stop. Although this is ok rurally, I think in a city where driver's are more impatient it will be difficult.
The younger drivers have already experienced a few "tooting" road rager's due to needing to stop completely at the roundabout etc.
Second gear is quite tall so not always easy to take off again after slowing down.
I have gotten a quote for a new gearbox - $3000.
I feel I have 3 options 1) repair and hope no further high cost issues
2) leave it as is and hope the kids cope with cranky drivers
3) sell it (with or without the new gear box) and get another car.

I feel it's a good car for learners and is super handy for moving (huge boot space) and great in the snow.

Is it dangerous do you think to not replace the gear box?

Thanks for any advice as I am not hugely mechanical.

[layback40]

Many older manual cars do not have sincro on first gear.
Infact many older trucks dont have sincro on many of the gears.
Nothing to stop them learning how to double the clutch to change down while moving.
It is not uncomon for sincro on second to also start to not work so good.
It could also be an issue with the clutch hydraulics starting to fail.
If cars are honking, just wave to them as if you know them.

[Fishframe]

Yes, when I learnt to drive, I was taught to not worry about what was going on behind me. Only worry about what is in front.