Hi,
My Punto Mk1,(97 reg) 55 s, (71k mileage) will not engage in 1st gear from start up in cold, unless you move the gear lever through the other gears first. Even then, the action is stiff and takes real effort.
When the car is warmed up and the car has travelled quite a few miles, the gear change is smooth and functioning properly. The car runs well from there on. Any ideas on this problem?.

Also, I seem to be burnig about a litre of semi synthetic engine oil every 6-8 weeks. Is this normal?.

Thanks for your input.

have you changed gearbox oil?

I seem to be burnig about a litre of semi synthetic engine oil every 6-8 weeks. Is this normal?. no

I have already changed the gear box oil with semi synthetic oil to the required amounts. I have been carrying out the old Fiat trick of moving the gears into first gear before reverse is engaged or moving the gear into 3rd before 1st. Either way,gears are stiff until car running warm.

Re the engine oil consumption,why is this amount not normal.

Advice appreciated, thanks.