Looking at 2005 Focus wagon tomorrow!

[LMMB AWCS]

Have been driving my little '96 Escort wagon for about 10 years, and another wagon before that and a 2dr hatch before that. They would be my preferred transportation, like the mpg and handling and don't need much more power; but this one is on its 4th engine(mostly valve seats dropping) and just noticed some rust bubbling up along one side of windshield which happens to have about 4 different cracks in it. Thinking I want a 2007 Focus wagon and going to look at one I finally found in area from private seller. In addition to my daily driver it will also be our tow behind RV vehicle.
Seller says the engine is loud, not knocking or squealing and does not matter whether clutch is engaged or not. She sent me a sound clip but hard to tell over the cell phone. Hoping someone here will step in with some suggestions for my observations tomorrow. Have stethoscope, but this is a totally different beast than the 1.9 with a timing belt. It has been a long time since my slant 6 days, or even the Subaru pushrod that reminded me of the BMW bike. Where should I be listening? Car is drivable, she is flexible about price and I'm willing to invest in repairs if body/glass sound.
Appreciate any input, my Escort forum has seen me through some tough times and would be hard without community support.

 

[LMMB AWCS]

"Thinking I want a 2007 Focus wagon and going to look at one I finally found in area from private seller. In addition to my daily driver it will also be our tow behind RV vehicle."

Alas, still want a 2007 Focus wagon with manual, little wagon I looked at a couple days ago turned out to be a 2003 Zetec. If my 1996 Escort wasn't doing well it certainly would have been an option, looked good and had new tires and battery and intact glass and bunches more power than the 88hp 1.9. But going to hold out, so if anyone knows of something available in Pacific NW Please let me know
Thanks