Does anyone have any advice? I've only talked to the guy over the phone...he owns a repair shop around here though...it's got about 11k on it, that's all I know for sure.

Are there any known chronic issues with this vehicle?

Please be cautious. Ask if you can get a independent saftey. If he won't allow it, keep on searching. Also take the pin number from the front drivers window and for a few bucks, find out if it was a write off.
Good luck
Wayne