I have bought and sold on CL an The main gripe about it that I have is all of the spammers.
But if I show any of my vintage machines its only in my studio and most of the time folks get a kick out of ALL the machines I have in there and almost always try my treadle out.
I have even had some of the ladies call me up wanting to bring some of their friends over and see my machines and try out the treadle after I sold or serviced a machine for them. Of course I never turn them down and always welcome them.
But I have bought and sold high ticket items like car parts and cars but never had any issues at all. But like quilters the old car folks are just as nice and you have a certain code of honor that is usually there.
But unfortunately there are the few bad apples that will try and to take advantage of you or even worse. Just be careful and if you can have your hubby or some friends over when you show the machine.
Billy