Is buying used worth the risk?

[Bishop]

I'm in Australia and where I am there just ain't to many decent used cars here, and generaly in Australia people ask a lot for used equipment, but I've noticed that you US guys are quite reasonable in your secondhand gear, which I think is great.

I think part of that could be because Australian hobby stores are expensive too, where as I think you lucky guys in the US get some great deals.

But what I'm really need to know is do you think it's worth it buying secondhand from so far away?
The deals on the board seem good, and even factoring post it's still good, but is it worth the risk?

[ovalnator]

As long as you check someones "feedback" like you would on ebay, Id say its worth it.

[HauntedMyst]

Bishop,
Trust your gut, when trading/buying on the net it is usually right. If something seems to good to be true, it is. If at all possible, use a service like PayPal so you get some protection.