Fiat advice?

[DextersFiat]

Hello all, coming from Kent!

I've always been a fan of Puntos I've had 2.. Mk1,2. After some Saving this Sunday I'm going to pick up a 56 reg 1.9 grande punto sporting. 80k miles!
The reason for this post is my friend had one and went through gear boxes... Now I don't drive half as hard as him but I am really worried... Is this a common fault? Can it be prevented? Also is there any other faults to look out for? Thank you all!!

 

[fingers99]

They're not the strongest of gearboxes, but you'll meet people who have managed to wreck even boxes capable of standing 3 times the torque of the engine they're fitted to.

Sensible changes, the use (and change of) quality gearbox oil and replacement of knackered clutches, and no drag racing and you should be fine.

Chances are that your new box will be a commonplace FIAT/Alfa one, so if it does go bang a s/h replacement will be easy enough to find.