Well, I'll try to throw in what advice I can about this. First off, you're looking at a car notorious for having owners that want speed and to show off. Of course this isn't a good start, but if you do you're homework, then I wouldn't worry about it. I'd look where it came from first. I found my used Saab off lease, which is a good start. Dealers who lease out cars generally give the third degree to the leasee (word?). Because they know they'll need to resell it, the terms can be quite strict.
That said, here I go.
Over 25k miles, there shouldn't be too much damage, if any. My car, which requires 89, will retard the timing and open the boost valve prematurly when 88 or lower octane fuel is detected. Because of this, basically any damage can be averted. The only way to really hurt the engine is by modifying the computer to advance the timing, regardless of fuel.
Would do it for 500, but otherwise, I would just put 1500 into a saving account and let it sit there. Look what's not covered under the warrenty. Basically anything that you would expect to fail before 60k isn't (aka brakes, clutch, etc). Do a clutch test on the car (I can explain if you want). If it's dead at 25k, I'd walk away anyways as this hints at more problems. I've seen clutches go well beyond 10 years and 100k miles.
Good, but have an indy mechanic that you trust check it out. Also, make sure the mechanic doesn't know the seller by name. I had that happen once in the middle of no where. I basically had no choice on mechanics (only guy for 30 miles), so I just asked for a compression test and a oil pressure test and said stop there. Wait, back to the advice. You can't do alot of the stuff a mechanic with some knowledge can do, so get it tested. He'll know what kind of driver had it first, what to expect, etc.
Remember, this is a far east car, it should hold up MUCH better than an american over time.
Ben
