Compression and leakdown test is a must if you care anything about peak power output, several locals have had exhaust valve sealing problems, even with low mileage.
Absolutely drive a few good examples and make sure it shifts nicely into every gear both when driving like a grandma and when driving briskly. Drivetrain noise is a little more noticable than on a dsm (as far as I remember anyways). Demand info on when maintenance was performed, just like any other car: tbelt/water pump, brake pads/fluid, trans/xfer case/rear diff fluid, clutch, and oil changes.
Don't be afraid of a few mods but be wary of anything that looks janky; you'll likely find more and more like it as you get into it.
Oh, and black ones are best; don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
