New here intro and buying decision

Howdy all! My name is Aaron, I live in Northern California and am about to buy/look at buying my first 2002. I grew up with one, memories laying under it with my dad, and when he passed when I was 8 yrs old, our 74’ Amazon green 02 was saved and went to my older brother, who then totaled it, but not before he taught me how to drive in it! Fast forward 3 decades and I still have the itch, and am going to add another back to the family if all inspectikna

go well. I’m a shade tree mechanic, but mostly jeeps and landcruiser experience and all my own maintenance on our family cars of all shapes and sizes.


The prospective purchase is in San Diego ca, and I plan to fly down tonight and inspect tomorrow morning. It is at a shop that did recent head gasket and cooling system work to the car, and they will put it on the lift for me to inspect and then drive. I’ve read the guides and articles on what to look for, but thought I’d ask for your input and even if there was a local guru willing to look for/with me, let me know.
The details:

1974 Amazon green 2002

54,xxx miles

runs, drives, stops, sounds good.

i have many many photos and videos from the owner as I’ve tried to be thorough before buying a plane ticket…

 

I ended up crawling around under it at the shop, checking every line and hose while the mechanic laughed at my “enthusiasm.” Having someone local to double-check things is gold. Also, while working on my cars, I realized how handy proper storage is—kept my tools and parts in a setup inspired by Gun Safes, and it’s been super solid for keeping everything organized and safe.