I ran the VIN number but didn't get a confirmation of a tow package. Unfortunately, had the owner taken the engine shot in a little wider frame, we might have been able to if it had a trans cooler in front of the radiator. It looks wonderful. It has either been well cared for or has recently been to a detailer who knows his business.
Now, I know the feeling of anticipation, of seeing something beautiful and thinking about a purchase. So, I am hesitant to say the following, but you came here for an honest opinion. So...
1. You are in MN and the car is in suburban San Diego. That's quite an investment in time and money to even set eyes on a vehicle. Maybe not so bad if you can get a cheap flight from MSP to San Diego. Just saying.... I would stay in a mindset that it is ok to come home without the truck if it isn't meant to be.
2. That peeling paint on the hood is going to get worse. Bringing that truck to MN is going to show this truck a whole new idea of cold, and that peeling is aggravated by thermal changes. It could get worse, possibly much worse, in its first year home. At some point, you could get the hood re-painted, so again, not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind.
3. I would insist on crawling under the vehicle, getting it on a lift, or even better yet, taking it to a mechanic for an evaluation for leaks and seals. Drop it off and go to SeaWorld or something. If it is spotless underneath, I would head back to the airport. This truck has auto-hubs... and I bet it hasn't been in 4WD much. I don't know how I would test those, but I would keep that in mind.
4. It might be kind of interesting to see a copy of his last CA emissions test results, the paperwork he was given. Their testing is pretty rigorous and if the test is borderline/failed, you might get an idea of a mechanical problem.
5. I'm a big fan of Click and Clack (RIP) and I'll tell you what they have told people in similar situations. Don't buy it. It doesn't come close to modern safety standards, lacking airbags, a rather primitive ABS system, and a reputation (true or not) of rolling over. You are talking about this being your daily driver in Plymouth MN, an area I know very well. We are talking about serious traffic, ice and snow.
Bottom line: If I were absolutely determined to get this truck, I'd cap it at $2,500, IF everything tested out and it got the approval of a mechanic. If it needs seals or something, down goes the price. Oh, and one thing I would do for darn sure is get the antifreeze tested before bringing it to sub-zero temperatures. It would be a shame to push out a freeze plug the first night home. I think I'm with Don on this, buy newer, perhaps at a better price, closer to home. I'm sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear, I'm just being frank. Good Luck!
Edit: After reading the entire thread again, I guess I'm not sure why you even want this truck, given the vehicles you own now, including 3 Explorers and a Bronco. If I wanted a real winter beater, I'd just buy one locally with some rust for $1k and call it a day. Anyway, Good Luck!