I need some advice
 

I have always loved these little cars and have been afforded the opportunity to get one for a song. it is an 03 base model. The problem is that the guy said it needs a new shift fork in the manual tranny. I was wondering 1) is the shift fork bending commonplace in the mini, 2)if the dude happens to be full of crap would it be cheaper to get a used replacement or rebuild the old tranny? Any ballpark figures would be appreciated as I am not yet graduated and college is making the funds pretty thin. I appreciate any help and/or advice I can get from you guys.