With the selector rod, it gave no prior warning - no clunking or strange noises, just wouldn't engage in 1st or 2nd gear.

I spoke to three garages and a gearbox specialist who all told me that they had repaired 6spd boxes that had given way with no prior warning :(

Maybe I was just unlucky...
 
Hi,

You seem to have answered your own question in the text, it could be a great car and you sound like the mileage is not a problem to you. Those same engines last for ever in much bigger car as taxis.
So my only real comment is....

Could you get it any cheaper?

If it needs all the work doing to it and the owner a) can't be arsed, or b) can't afford it. He needs to make it worth your while to do the jobs.

I'd aim for less than a grand :whistle:
 
Hey guys I'm buying it.. it needs 2 ours CV boots and and an inner, exhaust clamp and a front lower arm bush so got two solid cupra bushes tomorrow, told by an ex seat mechanic not to bother putting FR/Sport ones in as they are still crap new. It also needs a steering rack boot but thats getting done in a month. I am having the work done at a main dealer for cheaper than any back street garage. £1200 set price for the car and using genuine VAG bits (at a few % above cost :D ) it's gonna be £100 for labour and just under 60 for vital parts, Underneath near rust free, clean looking engine, origanal exhaust so gonna change that soon, new wing mirror and get that colour coded and other bits. 17" wheels and tyres on shown on seataccessories.co.uk. I guess it's into the world of Seat! Cheers for the advice guys.