Should I buy an older 2005 Mirage Tandem?

A friend has a 2005 Hobie Mirage Tandem that he is gonna sell me for $1200. He is the second owner and has only used it a few times and looks great. Little normal scrapes on the bottom, drives look new and the only real issue is that he was storing it tied down to the rear grab handle and that was damaged (he has since re-welded it back on). I've inspected the drive bays and there are no stress cracks or anything. I won't be fishing, just peddling around. It also has two or three dry compartments. I have been canoeing and kayaking my whole life so that isn't part of the question. My questions are:

- Should I buy something that is this old and I won't be able to find parts for anymore? I can weld up carrying rack, shade, sail... mostly worried about the drives as I've heard that putting newer drives in will over power the older hull.
- I plan on using this solo and with the wife (she is a TERRIBLE paddler and won't go in a kayak solo). I don't have the $$ or space for 2 kayaks. I'm concerned about one person peddling / maneuvering this much weight around (not so worried about loading / unloading it as I regularly deal with my 100lb Coleman canoe).
- Should I bust out for the Compass Tandem with the fancy seats / pockets / grab handles... so I don't inevitably have to sit in water while out and about?


Thanks

I have used my tandem odyssey only couple times solo, once in a high wind where I quickly learned that the bow raises too much when headed upwind.
A suggestion I once heard was to fill a large dry bag with water to occupy the front seat, but I would prefer to fill an old duffel with gravel for the same effect. These are common at thrift stores for next to nothing, cost-wise, and the gravel/sand is usually available near most launch areas. And, if you ever roll, it's no big loss.

Don't know what part of the country you are, but here in the west that boat at $1200 isn't a steal...especially once you try a later model with V2 drive and end up wanting one after all!
I have lusted after a later model Rev 13 for some time and am glad I waited until the right deal finally came along with extras to my liking.

On the other hand though, if you bought your friend's boat, you might later be able to sell it for little loss when upgrading...