I'm 17 and looking for my first car. I have always loved the old Troopers and found one close to me for $1200 OBO. It's a 1989 2.6L 4cyl 4x4. It has 5 new tires with less than 300 miles, 4 new Ranchero shocks, and 3 new U joints. He claims the drive train, as well as the 4 wheel drive, is perfect. Now for the bad, The engine has metal in the oil and will stream through the exhaust after running. (Through what little research i have done, does this mean a complete engine replacement?) I would love to get this Trooper and restore it to its former glory, much more than buying a run of the mill, reliable sedan to get me through college. I would love some feedback on what i should do, Thanks!!
(I'm also going to include the Craigslist post for the Trooper)

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/6132380426.html

 

It sounds like the engine is shot. I would check on the price and availability of one before buying.
Also, parts maybe hard to find for it.