Buying an used MP-E 65mm on Craigslist

I've never purchased an item this expensive in person from Craigslist before, so I'm a bit nervous. Locally for me it costs approximately $1232 and the seller is selling it for $1000. The seller claims that it's unopened, new, and in the original packaging.

A) So what are some things to look out for when I see the lens in person, aside from taking pictures, looking at the glass, and inspecting the body?
B) Does an "unopened" lens mean that it's actually wrapped up and I can't try the lens out, or does it just mean that the original packaging is there with the lens inside?
C) Does it make sense to take the risk of buying from Craigslist to save 19% of the price?


Thanks!

you can find them cheaper used online if you look around...also this isn't a lens you just try out...

I've been looking at this lens for almost a year now- I'm aware of the steep learning curve. The thing is I'm from Canada so all the less expensive US options aren't always available to me (i.e. some of them don't ship here, taxes through the border, I don't have a credit card with that high of a purchase limit or paypal)

i just meant its something you can't just pick up and try it out...like a AF lens.

go for it if you want it, maybe you can do a better cash deal in person...

Nice thing about this lens is that you don't have to worry about the auto-focus mechanism... bring a flash though, you might need one.

new / unopened?? gotta have receipt...ask for that and look at his ID to match. Of course you should try out the lens, regardless of packaging; its technically a used lens.

and of course, public location (bank, police station, etc.) for transaction.

almost picked one of these up; its a nice lens.

Ah alright, so ignore the "unopened" part. Got it, thanks. I'll take all the above advice. So when trying out the lens, I guess try shots at all the magnifications? (1x - 5x)