buying a 2g gsx, owner says it skipped timing. help me determine if its worth it?

[sbailey11]

I'm looking into buying a 97 eclipse gsx from craigslist (I know its not recommended) and he says he heard the belt make a noise, and he turned off the car. When he restarted it he said it "skipped timing" and now it doesn't run.

This is the ad:
blue 1995 eagle talon w a 1999 motor and eclipse gsx body. Everything is new. Lowering springs, camber kit, control arms, half shafts, struts, low pro racing tires, rims (19inch) front mt inter cooler, EVO turbo! boost controler , fuel pump, full custom exhaust,leather seats, extra parts, have many reciepts , gretty blow off valve, you name it! - the works
It was running super strong until something got caught in the timing belt and i jumped the timing, it needs a valve job now or new top end
Ive got over 12 grand into the car.


He is asking 4500, and I plan to do the work with my father as a project to fix and learn as I go. I am asking the nice people of the forums to tell me what could be the problem (all possible problems) so I'm ready to make sure I'm not buying a car that needs an entire new engine rather than just a valve job. And if there are tests I could run when I look at it.

And if you could give a rough estimate on the price of just parts assuming I can do the work myself

 

[dexterholland04]

I've seen this car in person before...don't buy it. It's a turd. I'd pay no more than $1000 for it.