Re: outboard won't go into gear
Welcome to iboats.
That completely depends on what is wrong.
Remove the cables and try shifting manually. If it now shifts there is a problem is the cable which is the best case scenario. If it still does not shift, the problem is in the gearcase and is worse case scenario.
What is the model number? Check the compression. If compression is good and she runs well and you are getting a good deal on her it MAY be worth it depending on the issue at hand.