Aging mechanic new to forum looking to buy an M20F

[MB65E]

The only way to see the cam is to pull the cylinder. A bore scope won't help.  At this point I don't even think it's worth it to pull a cylinder. I would just pull the entire engine. 

Just check Corrosion of the spars, skin joints. Tail feathers, longerons near the battery box. Rear spar caps by pulling the rear seat and inspection areas. Look for popped rivets in the tail attachment areas. 

If you pull the trigger and it's a straight airframe, you'll be fine. We pulled the trigger on a $41k E that lasted 30 hrs on the engine before I overhauled it. Not the best investment there, but it's now a safe and fast. 

It will be a fun project if there is no corrosion

-Matt