When I turn it on, I hear a rattling noise.. took it to the garage, who after removing the gear box is telling me that he now needs replacing the clutch and the gear box for £750 ... am i being taken for a ride ?
Without being able to diagnose the rattling noise, it's now impossible to say whether you actually need a new clutch and gearbox.
If you do need a new clutch and gearbox, £750 is very cheap. You're certainly not getting a "new" gearbox for that price. Perhaps a second hand or reconditioned one.
Please post any further Stilo issues in Stilo section of the forum here: www.fiatforum.com/stilo
.