Used Rancilio Silvia $475. Good deal?

Hi there, I'm new to the forum as of today.

I've been intrigued by the art of making espresso for some time now. I'm still somewhat of a newbie, in that I'm not sure I've ever tasted a good shot of espresso, but I've certainly tasted a lot of bad ones.

I am currently running a Hamilton Beach 15 bar pump machine. It was cheap, and has been a good machine to learn on. Although I've pulled a few decent shots with it (three distinct layers, lots of Crema), I've maxed-out what I can do with it and am ready for a more serious machine.

Everywhere I look online, the forums point to the Rancilio Silvia as the machine to get. Every other machine seems to have one fatal flaw or another. But the Silvia, although widely regarded as finicky, seems to have no flies on it.

I found a used one for $475, and am considering purchasing it. The first owner bought it in 2004. The second owner bought it 6 months ago, and is upgrading.

He says it works flawlessly. It's pulled about 2 shots a day. It's been cleaned daily, but not backflushed (he read somewhere that backflushing on the Silvia can ruin the 3 way valve).

Does this sound like a good purchase? The photos of the machine look good, but don't show anything other than the condition of the outside.

I don't have a decent grinder, but had decided on a Baratza Maestro Plus. Would this grinder be a good companion for the Silvia?

I was originally leaning toward a New Gaggia Baby Black, paired with the same grinder, until I found this.

Any help is appreciated.

k

Thanks Colin.

I have to laugh. It appears that the fellow selling the Silvia is also the fellow who posted about the Astra Gourmet right before my post.

Judging by his post, he seems to know what he's talking about and he says it works flawlessly.

My trouble is that I live in another province and can't inspect the machine before purchasing. (Even if I did, I'm not sure I'd know what to look for).

My real question is whether or not the Maestro Plus would be a good enough grinder for Miss Silvia.

Okay, he's offered to throw in a Rock Grinder with Doser (3 months old). Whole package: $650.

That's $320 for the grinder. $330 for the Silvia.

Don't see as I can pass this up.

What do you think?

Sorry. I wasn't thinking. I can see the position that puts you in. Perhaps if someone else were to comment....

Actually, we contacted each other by completely other means than this site. It was only by sheer & wide coincidence that I noticed him on here. Not sure if he noticed me.

Again, my apologies. I meant no ill.