Cogito, I can "feel" what you're feeling. I also ask questions, but I do lots and lots of research! I buy machines in the worst of conditions and enjoy the battle to get them up and running. I really should be more careful in the future when I post my happy finds for 5 or 10 dollars and make sure I also share they were cat-peed on, missing cords with a frozen needle bar! I am ok for that price taking risks. I see them as a challenge with potential to be awesum but it doesn't always work out that way! Sometimes it's just a learning situation and lots of frustration!
I agree when people start bargaining my prices way down before they even see a machine I am insulted. I'm generally ok with a little bargaining but I price my machines to sell quickly and if you can't afford it, someone else is waiting that can.