Been thinking this problem over some more today, I like things to be right where possible and we are looking at taking the car to Europe next year; it would be nice to have the aircon working 100% then.
Thanks to the kind help from various members here it seems the basics are:
The aircon does blow cold but not when the system is under most load, e.g. helps to have windows open to draw air through in order to get going, and fails to cool air when no ram effect i.e. car is in hot weather and not moving.
Realistically it could be 3 things, as far as this thread has helped me understand, as Simon basically said above:
1. 3 speed fan. Seems to be working on speeds 1 and 2, although as above I found it quite difficult to determine for speed 2. Is it possible 1 and 2 could work but top speed has gone, hence why it doesn't blow cold when needing most demand, stood still in the heat? This actually seems plausible based on the evidence, but all the posts seem to be about the low speed going? And wouldn't this also affect water temperature?
2. Condenser not working properly; no obvious damage but at 20+ years old is this likely now?
3. Compressor or gas issue. Least likely I think given how well the aircon works e.g. on the motorway, it's absolutely fine.
So I'm thinking of this course of action:
As Dave recommends above - specifically, could a T4 check confirm the fan operation on all 3 speeds. That way we've either ruled that in or out.
If it's the fan, game on, if not, look to an air con specialist for a gas check, potential replacement of condenser?
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