It's even tougher when you live 4.5 hours away and trying to convince them that I am going to be leaving right after work...... I have been successful several times, if the deal feels right, just tell them I am coming to purchase, not look. Sometimes an e-transfer of a deposit seals the deal. I picked up my little mill with new er40 collets and a bunch of new end mills for $175.00. I also picked up a die filer with 70 files for $140.00 just to name a couple. I never include the cost of fuel, because, I enjoy the drive and day away, kinda like a mini vacation with a new toy at the end.Your intro said you are in Vancouver. You need to line up a trailer now and have the required cash ready to roll.
Stuff like that in Vancouver is sold before its listed. You have to be ready when one comes up, grab cash, and hit the road with the trailer in tow and look at it asap. If you like it, buy it. If you stop to think about it, it will be gone.