Hi guys, My Gran Gaggia just pooped out! There is no spare-parts for it in Calgary.
I don't have a big budget and tried to find a machine with PID that has a good review.
What do you think about Breville 840XL? I can't dial in the temperature but it is consistent by the set controller.
The low-pressure start may create less sourness, would you say?
Any other issue I should be concerned?
With the same $450 dollars I could also get a used Rancilio Silvia (basic model) but without a PID. The other way is to pay $550 and get a used Rancilio Silvia with added PID. Which one do you think is better?
Thanks.

I think the silvia has a longer track record, though all these are reasonably low end. I would look into other options. A PID is not the end all for quality espresso, you should not limit your search to only those machines.