Need asap advice re buying car - owner is leaving tomorrow abroad.?

I mean, he is truly leaving for a month. Now it is 1996 Camry, 161K miles, mechanic who looked at it said small engine leak, maybe exhaust leak, something with brakes and maybe few issues. He said car seems to be drivable but needs maintenance, maybe up to 1000 worth. Owner went down to 1700 and does nto want to go down more. I know it is stupid to ask this question like this, but...any thoughts asap?