You never can tell! If an A&P bought the bird, a thorough inspection of EVERYTHING might reveal very little wrong with only an investment of time. All we've seen wrong so far is cosmetic. Price is relative. Still sight unseen, what would this low-time bird be worth if it were in annual and had been flown yesterday? Does the price difference really reflect the value of a thorough annual inspection and sign-off?
I do understand the risk. I doubt anything will be found much wrong with the airframe, but the engine could be a total loss (very unlikely) or at least wind up being overhauled due to a rusted cam, and then the owner would have far more invested than could be recouped.
It's a gamble. You win some, you lose some!
