Not to make a generalization… But a lot of these “Honda” owners have since graduated into Subies, Evos, and the like as they get bored of one type of car and move into another. Not to mention, prices drop enough on the cars to make them more accessible. The turbo cars are more complex in nature, making them more susceptible to problems compared to the average Honda. So it kinda makes sense that owners would face more problems and if the person was not forthcoming to begin with- there is more potential to hide stuff.
To OP: Sorry to hear about the crappy find. It’s a waste of time, but at least you were not committed to buying it… Seller probably thought you would still go for it since you invested the time and made the trip out there. Sucks he was not honest…