94 LX Wagon Engine Noise

My neighbor has this wagon in excellent shape with 51,000 miles on it. The engine develped this loud tapping noise suddenly. I know nothing about these cars but know cars. It sounds like hydraulic lifters getting no oil to me. Anybody know what else I should look for? I ask this because he is willing to sell this car for $500 and it is in perfect shape except for this noise. Should I just buy it and figure it out later? I already have three vehicles, but I could buy this and fix it and make a nice profit. Thanks.

I was thinking the same thing. But it all depends where the noise is at. You might have a spun rod bearing also. The car has "only" 51,000 miles? I'm betting on more like 151,000 miles. The odometer turns over after 99,999 to 00000. Carfax.com can help solve this mystery for you. I know things can break on cars, but having either a bad lifter or a spun rod bearing on a car that has only 51,000 miles seems a little out of the ordinary if the car has seen regular maintenance. Escorts are known for their long road life. Mine has only 171,000 miles. With all of that said, $500 is still a good deal, and if it was me, I'd get it. With three cars, you have all of the time in the world to tear it down and check it out. If you weren't interested in tearing the engine down, you could always go to the local junkyard and get an engine for it. I've rambled long enough! lol Good luck!