I don't know about espresso beans, but I know where to go for the best beans for aeropress and french press so that would be my starting point for espressos as well.. But you're right, a local cafe sells from a microroaster elsewhere and it's far better than the locally roasted and still just as fresh..

I've got a year and a half old Silvia. I note zero wear on it. I've had it apart a number of times - installing a PID, for instance. It's such a solid machine, I wouldn't blink at buying a used one.

BTW: I've got an Auber PID. A year and some in, it started giving bad readings. An email to Auber brought a quick response telling me what to check. The first item on the list was the problem - a quick fix of a loose wire, and they pinpointed exactly which one I needed to look at. That's what I call great customer service!

I've had both the older and newer model Silvia, and they are functionally the same. The updates are mostly cosmetic. The swivel steam wand on the newer model is slightly better. The results in the cup are the same though. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up an older model if it's in good shape.

My first espresso set up was a Rancilio Silvia and Rocky combo. At a little more than half price, that could be a sweet deal, depending on the previous owners habits. New burrs for the Rocky are cheap, and with a good thorough cleaning, could be like new. I'd add a PID to the Silvia, well worth the cost, and you'll have a great pair that should last for years.