You'll get replies from people who know a lot more than I do about mechanical issues.

If your budget allows you to move up a little in price, you can get a lot newer bike for not a huge amount more money.

For instance, I paid just north of $3K in April for a 2006 with 2100 miles.  My bike has several hundreds of dollars of extras, and the seller delivered it to me from 130 miles away.

Unless you're a mechanically oriented guy who likes to work on stuff, I personally would shy away from any 22 year old bike.  I'm not a fixit guy.  Regardless, you should enjoy a Savage/S40 - I sure like mine.  Especially after this last wekend in the MSF course riding a Nighthawk.

By the way - get signed up for the MSF course right away.

If you want to compare: I bought my '87 on Craigslist in March for $1050.00. He was asking $1300. He threw a front rim, new helmet and cover into the deal. Gorgeous Maroon metalflake paint job. Took it for a test ride and liked the way it handled so I handed over the cash. The only issues it had were the oil leak, and squeaky belt. He didn't mention the oil leak, that was a little surprise, but with the help of the people on this forum, I know what it is and how to repair it. Other than that, she runs nice. I'm really happy with the bike. Take into consideration that it was March when I bought it. As the weather gets warmer, bike prices go up with the temperature.

Agree with previous responses, the bike will probably have more issues than a later model.

My '96 cost me $1700.00 with 3200 miles, in perfect condition.  That was a fair price.  Don't buy too quickly.  This  bike does not have a high resale value and you see alot of examples coming up for sale with low miles due to their owners wanting something bigger.  Be patient.

I got an 01 with a new engine for $1700. It had a little over 8000 miles on it. I thought that was a great deal.

I got my '95 two seasons ago for $1200, had only 7800 miles, clean shape. Came with windshield and highway bar. Be patient, there are better deals out there.

If I may offer a suggestion...in the past I've bought a number of cars and motorcycles that were cheap because they needed work.  I repaired or restored them using my own labor and buying the parts.  In almost every instance, the cost of the parts and the time involved fixing them was very close to or more than what it would have cost to buy a better example of that car or bike that didn't need work.  You see this all the time in Hemmings Motor News.  You can regularly buy vehicles that have been restored for less than the cost of the parts and labor the owner has in them.   Suzuki Savage parts are expensive and the stealerships are incompetent and dishonest.  I suggest you spend a little more now on a good example, rather than a whole lot more later on a cheap example.

I am in NOVA and this spring I got a '98 w/4200 miles for $1800 -- except for needing tires, it was perfect.  I have seen a number of  better (cheaper) deals in this area since then, so I agree with those who say that what you are looking at is no cause for haste.  But at some point you have to ask yourself if you'd rather be surfing Craigslist or riding.  Look outside your window this afternoon.