Sounds like good advice to me. In general, I like a staged approach, where you get -- if you can -- good, clear, well-lit photos area-by-area; under, around, inside and beneath, then informed evaluation here, based on that and any other information seller provides: history, service and repair documentation, original specs and such. If it seems it might be a car worth moving on, I think we have at least one experienced member in that area who might have time to help you with an in-person evaluation. And the referral to the local shop may prove very valuable; you can spend a hundred or three on a PPI and count it well spent whether the outcome is a buy or a pass. The cost of even several inspections must be considered bargain-priced due diligence compared to the situation where you find yourself having bought an expensive ticket -- say, 20 to 50 times that amount when you stop to count -- to a continuing series of further costly outlays. There are more than enough good, sound 113s out there; take your time. It's not unreasonable for these complex, half-century-old cars to need some work, but old hands tell me that there are also many pretty Pagodas to be had that hide deep, tragic and expensive problems under their very appealing looks.
They also say to buy the best example you can afford, which also seems to be very sound advise. All the best of luck with it.....in fact, make your own, yes?
