Was impounded from a teen in a DUI. That's all the history I know.

I test drove it and other than a dirty interior all seemed well with the engine.

The problem is the transmission is in limp mode. The tow truck driver that owns it said it was fine three months ago when he acquired it and drove it around a bit. It sat for 3 months and the battery died, now after jumping it it's in limp mode.

He was asking $1600 before I showed him it was in limp mode. Now he says if I give him my broken Suzuki Esteem and $800 I can have it.

He seems to think getting a transmission flush will reset some culenoid and fix it. I'm very skeptical that will fix it.

I am wondering if anyone here can tell me whether getting it at this price would be worth troubleshooting limp mode. What is likely the cause of the limp mode? What's common on these Monteros?

I don't mind replacing a $100 part but if this ends up costing another $500 I will pass. Is the risk worth it?

Other stats: 183,000 miles. 4x4.

Thanks in advance for any advice.