I wish I had the option of having my mechanic check it out, but its an ebay buy, and the car is in Florida. She seems to be very honest about the car, and is making a fair offer (I think) in light of the problem. At this point I could back out of the deal, but I think I'll take the $1500 discount and roll the dice. My guess is that its more than plugs/wires since its been meticulously maintained. I sent her an email asking when those had been changed last, but she hasn't replied yet. I had planned on doing a pretty intense (for my skills) maintenance spree when I received the car (plugs, wires, timing belt, oil change, air filter, lube, anything else?), so I guess I'll go ahead with that and re-evaluate afterwards.
Anyone else with some encouraging words?
Thanks.