[jongolds]

I'd listen to your gut. It's not likely to be a good idea to buy a motor close to a year before you need it.

If it were some kind of screaming good deal I'd say go for it but I don't think it is. No matter how good the condition, there's not a ton of people looking to buy an 18 year old motor so it may even still be available when you do need it. If not, there's likely to be another good deal out there at that time.

In the meantime, anything could happen. I don't want to sound discouraging but plenty of people abandon restorations in the middle. You don't want to be stuck with the engine if you do. You could also end up needing the cash for something more important or urgent in the meantime. Maybe you get laid off or your car needs a new transmission or any of a million other possibilities.

On the other hand, with another year to save and maybe a raise, you might decide you want to get something a little newer and more fuel efficient.

Sorry to sound discouraging but this just seems like a real bad idea to me.

I'd let him know you don't really need a motor right now. If he doesn't mind waiting 10 months, you'll be back to buy it at $1.8k. If he really wants to get rid of it now, offer him half that.