Yetti, buying used airplanes is risky.

So far the price is reasonable, but the "reserve" is not met. He is not selling it for that price. I've only followed Ebay auctions a couple times but it seems they get very large prices, for what is often junk. A used engine may look good in a picture, but you don't know that it is good. A freind i fly with, bought a used trainer last week. Looked good, but turned out to be junk.

You are on the right track with the Avistar. Stay the course, and keep those apples away from your brother!

PS RC simulators are stupendous! best thing that ever happened to this sport!