Hmmmm... Very interesting.
Before I bought mine, I did all kinds of research, and everywhere I looked, the laredo was a "nicer" trim package, with more options. This one seems to be an exception. I doubt the elderly couple, or your friend would have switched badges on it ( ever seen a '70 Chevelle that WASN'T an SS?
). The high output meas that they switched to a better, bosch style F.I. system, and away from the P.O.S. Renix system that was harder to dianose, and fix.
Yes, the CPS is the crank position sensor. If it goes, you are dead in the water. I regualrly go where there isn't a parts store for 20 miles or more, so I keep a backup, and tools ( two bolts on the bellhouising, and one nut on the fuel rail) just in case. With a long extension I can change one in 10 minutes. And yes, they are a known fault. They seem to go in spurts, kinda like timing belts on 944s. On Jeeps Unlimited you can go for months without hearing a problem, and then see 5-10 in one week. There isn't any rhyme or reason to the failures, they just fail. It's usually the connector that goes bad on them.
As for oil leaks, that's just part of the "charm" of living with a straight 6 that was designed in the 50's. If it doesn't leak now, it will. I gave up on mine, and live with a little seepage.
I guess from the other posts, $2500 is about right. They just go cheaper around here.
Either way, I think you will like it. Especially the first time you need 4wd.