Unfortunately it was battered. As you mentioned, it would have needed new rings, hone, maybe a new piston as the scoring was pretty deep. Pulling the engine over, the bearings sounded reasonably healthy.
Then, it would need a new fuel tank, cowl (both cracked), new snorkel (split), back of carby, and there were a few stress cracks in the alloy deck, and one larger rock impact at the side discharge.
At mower shop prices, just not worth it. The guy was going to take it home and have a go at it. He was keen to stick with a 2 stroke as he said he's never had anything that knocks through the grass like that 24.
