just viewed a w reg punto, want 2 buy it but have come across a problem. the gears work fine but but the gear stick is stiff and doesnt locate into neutral easily as on any other car, can any1 help?

what engine

its a hgt so its a 1.8 found a couple of examples of this problem on forums think its the return spring or the gear linkage cable, but dont know how to change them or were they are!!! any1 got an idea?