I would check the compression on the engine (or take it to a shop that can).  
This would give you an idea of the health of the engine.  If the compression
is good then the starting problem is probably something with either the fuel
injection or timing and shouldn't be too pricey to fix.  However if the
engine is tired then you could use this as leverage to get the price a bit
lower (it would have to be if you factored in getting a new motor for it).  I
hope this helps you.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
Van-Again
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
Office: (856)-765-1583
Fax: (856)-327-2242