Hi all. I am looking to buy a fiat ulysse 7 & know you guys are knowledgeable so im looking for some advice. I spotted a 53 reg one near to me. Private sale, last owner 3 + years, 80k cambelt done at 55 in 2012, recently serviced and got some history. It drove fine with no noticeable issues other than the last mot certificate advised gear linkages worn and tbh, I was surprised how sloppy the gearbox felt. It seemed very loose in neutral but selected the gears fine, drove nice if a little sluggish (I'm used to my fiat croma 1.9) and didn't pop out of gear at all, clutch biting point fine...etc ......should I buy? The owner wants 1350 its motd til may 16 cosmetically its ok, and overall except the gearbox issue all working. Should I be concerned with the gearbox? Is it cheap/easy enough to get a second hand one fitted if it does go?
I'm asking anyone who has been stung buying cheap used cars to give me their advice and opinion. Dont want to rush into buying a dud one but equally thought it might go quick as the cheap good ones do!!

Thanks in advance for any help u can give me!!

I am sure much greater experts than I will be along on this - but for now. I have an 03 Ulysse 2 on 124K, which when I got it 20K ago, I had a similar problem. When the clutch was being replaced they found that the aluminium casting that is the junction between the gearbox and cables at the gearbox end was broken and not holding the cables securely once changed there was a big improvement. You should be able to see it in the ePER diagrams above under fiat\ulysse\2f nuovo...\212 trasnsmission...\transmission outer controls. I would plan to change the cambelt, a big killer of these engines I am given to understand. I would also ensure the big fuse box under the bonnet on the o/s wing is well sealed and protected from water ingress - it helps to seal the (useful!!) hole in the bonnet drainage channel just above it.

Thanks for reply Deldan, decided to hang fire on new purchase anyway as I have to fix my Croma first!!!