Have it checked out thoroughly (including crank end play). As long as everything is in good shape, it should be a good car for you. I have only had one problem with my car, which is not bad for 135,000 miles. DSM's are good cars as long as you stay on top of the maintenance. Thats not to say they never have problems, but most cars have an issue occasionally. Having said that, there are few of us that can resist the urge to put a wrench on it. Once you start modding, it becomes an illness. You will find yourself donating blood to have money for "that next mod." Maybe not that severe, but you get the idea. That is when they get expensive, and things will break occasionally. My car is fairly modded, and is still a reliable daily driver (except for this week when the cam angle sensor died).

 

I agree with Venom. Any car you mod will be less reliable, but as long as you keep up on maintenence, it should be a great experience.