Clio 200 advice

Hi, I am looking to purchase my first clio 200. I have test drove one which has a weird problem where I do not have to pull up the collar on the gearstick to select reverse! I thought I was selecting 1st gear but it was reverse. Is this an easy fix or something inside the gearbox itself has failed. If anyone can help it will be really appreciated. As I like the car and looking forward to be part of the community.
Cheers.

Massive thanks for this. Good to know it's not expensive to put right again!

If its that. I guess you'll be able to feel if the spring has broken by moving the reverse lifter up and down. Do you have a link to an advert for the car?