I would never advise you to buy one without trying it first, especially used. I think he should either get over it (limited to an hour's drive! REALLY?!) or you should do your searching without him. It's a big expense, and one you should make carefully. I don't think your choice should be limited to whatever you can find within an hour's drive. That's too limiting for such a purchase, imho. It's not like they're for sale on every corner.