I have a very basic 26" Innova, standard stitch regulator, 12' frame, purchased about 6 years ago, new. (This was before lightning stitch came out, and although I have test driven machines with lightning stitch I don't feel that I need it.) I am very satisfied with my purchase, and I do recommend the 26" machine over the 22". I haven't heard much praise of the crosshatch bar, and I feel that the channel locks are not a necessity, although they would be nice to have. (I don't have them.) I also don't use the Towa gauge and have no problems setting tension without it. That said, I think that the asking price is probably reasonable for a machine with lightning stitch, if that's what you want. If it didn't have lightning stitch then I think it would be a bit high.
If I intended to purchase the machine I would make the trip, test it out, write out a check, and then take it apart myself and drive it home. This isn't because of worry about something being missing, but because taking the frame apart gives you great insight into how to put it back together. (Alternatively, you could ask to be there while they dismantle the frame, if you have no way of transporting it.) I took my frame apart by myself about 1.5 years ago, stored it for about 6 months, and then put it back together mostly by myself (with help from my son positioning the long poles and leveling it). And I'm your age.
You might try to find a dealer who is willing to test out the machine, and even do the setup, for a reasonable fee. Personally, I would wait for a 26" to be available, but many people are happy with the 22".