Some people can tear up an engine before it's ever run. It's hard to say about the motor. It could be just like new?

I'm assuming it's over the internet? Ask the guy about it.

Are the mounting holes hogged out? Are there scratches on the case? Is the crank bent? How does it run? What plane did he have it in? Why is he selling it?

The best thing is to look at it yourself in person and to feel of it for roughness and compression.

If you get a bunch of don't knows, then forget him. Often a person says he's selling it for a friend or he just got it in a trade and doesn't need it. If you start hearing this, you better beware.

Good luck,

Jim