That tranny WILL go before 200k unless it's already been replaced. Just to let you know. Is the 1-2 shift hard at all? Try flooring it on the highway and see if the 4-->2 or 4-->3 shift slips at all.

Also, the alternator will go soon. You will need to replace your EGR valve and clean out the EGR ports. A bunch of simple stuff like that, it almost borders on routine maintenance.

And plan on your catalytic converter also going out before 200k. Mine went at 150k. I got an awesome deal on it for $200, but normally they cost about $500.

Personally, I would never buy a modified car but it's your call. make sure your mechanic checks the condition of the ball joints.

edmunds.com value is $4600. I wouldn't pay any more than $4500, especially since it's an LX and not an EX (leather, moonroof, etc). Keep in mind you'll be spending $1000 on a transmission within 50k miles if you find a good deal, and between $2500 and $3500 if you don't.

If you just want reliability, find an Accord EX 4-cylinder 5 speed. The V6 is more maintenance intensive (more spark plugs, finicky EGR system, more oil, more gas, etc) and the automatic lasts about 150-200k miles.

Do you know what kind of highway MPG he's getting? That tends on this car to be an amazingly accurate determinant of how well the car has ben maintained/the engine condition.