Would the airplane be worth $25,000 with a fresh overhaul, and could you afford it? That's probably at least what you'll have in it if the engine shows signs of failing after you've bought it. On the other hand, you may get several more years out of it, depending on the shape it's in now, and how often you fly! I wouldn't automatically walk away because of the engine time, but it certainly deserves a lot of close scrutiny before (and after) buying it! Has it been on a regular and up to date oil analysis program? If so, any abnormal trends developing? Are the logs complete and show a history of regular and up to date preventative maintenance? (Oil & filter changed regularly, plugs cleaned, gaped, or replaced, etc.) It does have an oil filter, doesn't it? It is probably true that the longer you go between overhauls, the more expensive the overhaul will become. If the paperwork impresses you, you might be on to something. Otherwise, there are a lot of airplanes for sale!
