I am very interested in a 1996 850R Wagon with 70k miles. The car has had the timing belt, rear main seal, and the halfshafts changed, and is in pristine condition. The seller and I agreed to $9400. First off, is this a good price? It seems to be around the KBB and Edmunds book price for this year and mileage...

One caveat: I'm in Michigan, the car is in Florida.

I am set on getting this car, and the seller has sent me almost 30 pictures of it, inside, outside, up on a lift to see the underbody, etc... I have arranged to fly into Florida this Friday. He will pick me up Saturday morning, and take it to the dealer that he works at, so we can put the car on the lifts and I can inspect whatever I need to. Then, after all's well, I drive off and make my way back to Michigan.

Is there anything that I should be aware of, not only of the vehicle, but also about such a transaction so far away? I have never bought a car in this manner, and am a bit leery about what scams might be pulled on me.

Also, from my research, and experience on my father's 850, I have gathered the following to be common problems with the 850:
1. Rear main seal
2. Torque arm bushing torn
3. Tranny microswitch (park lock)
4. Coolant cap crack

Are there any more that I should be aware of?

Also, does anyone know the factory specs for cylinder compression on the B5234T?? I'm going to take a compression gauge with me.

Thanks!