Hello Jamie,
I think everything, except your mate, is pointing you to walk away, so probably the sensible thing to do is to let your mate find something else to play with -rather than playing with your money.
New engine? Why??
Wonder what that means. Different? as in second hand one from another vehicle? So called reconditioned? That engine now suspect?
Not a good starting point Jamie. ‘............good bargaining point as they are nothing major’! I would certainly quality this with ‘... hopefully nothing major, but not surprised if it is...’
Let’s hope this forum does not need to wish you good luck, but as they say, ‘ If you can’t have good luck, have bad luck, since bad luck is better than no luck at all’ !
Kind regards,
Gareth.