Should I consider buying it?

[toyotawise]

Hi thinking about buying this 1997 Celica GT, http://sarasota.craigslist.org/cto/2143470928.html It's a 2.2L
talked to the owner and he's not really sure whats wrong but the Check Engine light is on, please take a look at the ad for it and tell me what you think, it looks nice, but it needs work and I need to know what I'm getting myself into. Oh I forgot to mention the owner also said that when he drives longer distances, it won't start for at least 10-15 mins, thinks it's related to the knock sensor something to do with timing etc. anyone know if the replacement work can be D.I.Y,?

Thanks

[MR2Jedi]

Description in both your post and the Celica ad are way too vague. You need alot more info than whats provided, to form a half way decent opinion.
Have you driven it?

[toyotawise]

No haven't driven it yet, was planning on going to see it today, I forgot to mention, it had diagnostics done with it, I'm guessing like an OBD computer at Advanced and at least one code came back Knock Sensor not sure which code, but the owner said timing is off, would the sensor do that? I saw online that the labor to replace a knock sensor is about 0.6 hours. From what I can see to get to the sensor that's on the side of the block you have to remove the exhaust manifold, that seems like it would take longer than 0.6 hours? As for the speedo, I'm reading online it could be the sensor the cable or both, it doesn't look like it's much of work. Of course the odometer is most likely out too so that might not be the actual mileage? Any thoughts on that? The owner says he has been driving it for last 65 mos like that as a daily driver, he believes that the issue of not starting for 10-15 mins is an overheating issue, could that affect the engine adversely and cause major problems in near future like blown head gasket, thrown rod or piston going bad, or cause valves to swell? Is this engine as solid as the Camry's? Are these cars costly to maintain compared to say Tercel, Corolla or Camry. I'm thinking about just buying the Celica so I can have something tor trade private party for one of those when one is available around here.
Thanks

Update: I drove it,it does not have a knock in the engine, the engine seems to purr just fine, it does lose a little umph in low gear but the clutch and tranny seem fine and it shifts fine,the odometer quit about a few months ago so it really only has 144.000, the tach works works just fine. it did seem like it pulled a little to the right but that could just be the rear tire that seems imbalanced. There was a car fax in the glove compartment and it was done in 2005 no accidents or odometer rollbacks, apparently the last owner was a female and she said that she bought if from an older couple. Checked the dipstick for black or burnt smell and it was fine, it has a little oil leak, could be just the gasket in the oil pan or? AC works great everything works except those few issues. It even has the owners manual in the glove compartment. I have a local Toyota Mechanic who is willing to put it check the codes up and put it up on a lift and verify it for free, of course I will be willing to pay for a a more thorough inspection if needed.
Thanks

Update: Yesterday took it to the mechanic he drive it put it up on the lift and ran OBD and no no knock sensor code only, pseed sensor,
It needs a new timing belt and the valve gasket is leaking and needs to be replaced also may need a new wheel bearing. Agreed on good price with seller and bought it it.