General Should I buy a Punto?

[Icestorm]

Hi all,
I'm thinking about buying a Punto to replace my ailing ford escort that I got as a supposedly temporary replacement for my Uno that died a few years ago and have a couple of questions.
The Punto I am considering is a 1997(R) 60 S 5Dr with no MOT and hardly any tax that needs a new clutch but apart from that it appears to be rust free and; cosmetically and mechanically fine. It's being advertised at offers around £200. Looking on ebay I can get a new clutch kit for about £45 although I would need to get someone to fit it.

Is it an expensive job to have the clutch replaced?

What would be a reasonable offer to make for a Punto in this condition?

TIA
James

 

[richib]

id be safe an go for 150 u wuold get that back in scrap money at min

 

[Benny 1992]

there is some good mk2's knocking a round at £800 on ebay at the minute maybe worth a thought

 

[SamuraiDragon]

id say make an offer at around £150 as well. provided its mechanically sound, u should be fine. clutches aint too expensive, prob looking at a couple hours labor. cost me £290 to get my clutch done, but that was including parts, labor, gearbox oil change, engine oil change and oil filter. if the gearbox needs replacing as well tho, then it can get expensive.

 

[Icestorm]

if the gearbox needs replacing as well tho, then it can get expensive.

Is there any way of checking the gearbox with a u/s clutch or is it just a case of hope for the best? Apparently it did drive fine right up to the clutch giving up.

 

[SamuraiDragon]

quick test to check would be to see how easy it shifts into gears with the engine off. motions should be smooth and quiet. could be problems with the syncromesh etc if the car has been driven for a long time with a busted clutch. if it feels reasonable, u should be fine. not a sure way to tell, but can help a little.

 

[tinytim]

could be serious rust problems particularly where rear springs fit on a 13 year old car particularly if by the sea; still running my 1997, 212,000m 1.2 bought new and have just replaced clutch but had to replace the rear beam axle last year because of rust; a gamble to buy this car unless handy DIY mechanic; always buy a car with a 12 month MOT......

 

[Icestorm]

Thanks for all your advice but after doing a bit of checking on the seller and history of the car I'm not going to bother with it. I found it had been previously listed on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&_rdc=1&item=170582941448&si=VZMrnSRprj7kv5TMiForbn1d%252FKU%253D&viewitem= and it appears to be knackered . When I spoke to the seller on the phone no mention was made of the head gasket etc. He told me it was running perfect until the clutch went. Pretty glad now I had a snoop round before making an offer on it.