What have I done? I saw this machine: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI....&item=300238304153



Serial number 0077062002US120 not that I know how to read that. I know on the older ones the first 2 digits is the year. Does that mean 00? or 2002? Anyone know?

It was originally listed with a starting bid of $500, and 0 bids. I couldn't help myself... It was calling me... Thought about bidding on it, then decided not to, then thought about it, then decided not to... Emailed the seller asking if he would consider buy it now and if so for how much... (just to check of course).. We emailed back and forth some, I realized that my brother lives near the seller and could pick the machine up.. He changed it to buy it now and I went for it. I figure if nothing else, it would be good to try to keep it in the (LMWDP) family..

I guess you guys will all tell me now how silly I was for paying that much for it, but these models are pretty rare right?.. OK, yes I'm just trying to justify spending that much on an unknown quality machine. Thoughts?

Silly, no, had he let it go it might likely have gone for more! No need to justify at all...

That's my impression too. Remember that a lot of these Cremina's are much, much older. I find it extremely laughable that the guy seemed to suggest that the lifespan of one of these is "a decade +". As I understand it, if you treat it right it ought to last a lifetime. They are certainly priced that way new...

I think you got a good deal, unless you were looking for a super-cheap old Olympia to restore. This one shouldn't need more than a descale. Here's hoping it gets to you safely.

I wouldn't laugh at the seller. He doesn't seem to be very technical, but seemed very nice when we spoke on the phone. I am not sure why he thinks they only last a decade, and he mentioned in email that others had sent him links to sites showing how to maintain the machine and he wasn't interested.. I don't know if I could have convinced him they last longer, and didn't try. He did say he had purchased these before, and when I asked about the serial number, he mentioned that this model has a peel and stick label instead of the previous metal plate, so I guess he has had other Creminas. Anyway I wasn't looking for a super cheap old restoration project, and as you may have read over on the geek, I got burned on another purchase already. If this works out I'll be pretty excited to see the machine with all the trimmings. He even has the original owners manual.

I have no idea about the value. My question is: How are you going to get your brother to actually send it to you?

Good point.. Not sure. I haven't confirmed that he will even pick it up. The seller said that if my brother won't pick it up locally he (the seller) will drop it off somewhere where they will professionally pack it, insure it, and ship it. Not sure who would take better care of it..

Here's a picture he sent me of the serial number.. Looks like it was made in June of 2002. Number 77..

Congrats! Ask KarlSchneider with regards to current market value as he just purchased one early this year. I'd venture to say you got a very good price for it.

I think that's a good price. I have seen some C-67's go for that or close to that. If I had the disposable income, I'd have gone for it. Its your patriotic duty to put that stimulus check to work

Hope you enjoy the machine. Great score!

rawman wrote:What have I done? I saw this machine: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI....&item=300238304153

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Serial number 0077062002US120 not that I know how to read that. I know on the older ones the first 2 digits is the year. Does that mean 00? or 2002? Anyone know?

It was originally listed with a starting bid of $500, and 0 bids. I couldn't help myself... It was calling me... Thought about bidding on it, then decided not to, then thought about it, then decided not to... Emailed the seller asking if he would consider buy it now and if so for how much... (just to check of course).. We emailed back and forth some, I realized that my brother lives near the seller and could pick the machine up.. He changed it to buy it now and I went for it. I figure if nothing else, it would be good to try to keep it in the (LMWDP) family..

I guess you guys will all tell me now how silly I was for paying that much for it, but these models are pretty rare right?.. OK, yes I'm just trying to justify spending that much on an unknown quality machine. Thoughts?

Assuming this machine has been well cared for (?), you got an awesome deal.

rawman wrote:I guess you guys will all tell me now how silly I was for paying that much for it, but these models are pretty rare right?

I have a 2002 in near mint condition and there's no way I'd sell it for what you paid. So yes, in my opinion, you got an excellent deal.