[Bill in SoCal]

Some other things to consider:

First - Make sure there is a clear title, not a bill of sale.

Then - Check the body, fenders and running boards for damage or rust through. A bent frame can cause many problems. I would take a magnet with me to make sure that it has good metal especially around the bottom of the quarter panels and doors. Like Ned said, "bad body damage is a show stopper."

Body work can be very expensive, unless you can do it yourself. Rebuilding an engine and transmission is far less expensive than fixing major body damage.

Bill