[bvw]

(1) Why is the owner selling it? Listen for the story, half the read is in the telling, half in what the story is.

(2) Was the owner a smoker? Bad if so. Smokers tend to abuse cars.

(3) As everyone else said, have a trusted mechanic check it out.

(4) If you don’t have a trusted mechanic use a reliable chain shop, e.g. Pep Boys.

(5) You want a mechanic who knows that model and year, and who is able to identify body work.

[calex59]

(2) Was the owner a smoker? Bad if so. Smokers tend to abuse cars.

[Cyber Liberty]

(2) Was the owner a smoker? Bad if so. Smokers tend to abuse cars.

That's an interesting observation. I'd love to see the data behind the study that lead you to that conclusion. I'm sure you're not just making it up, or going by anecdotal evidence. I'm also sure you'll be kind enough to post a link to that study?