Think finding someone local, per the below is a good idea. Photos are nice but can be misleading, sellers go from honest to everything less, as a rule its never the best option. I think photos help ID something you may be interested, general idea of condition, some things you can tell are as described or in the condition you may desire.
I think given what this item is, its use and both recreational or utility, a used one, you want eyes on it that are familiar with what you are looking at.
I bought my D7 caterpillar like that, seemed I had enough information on it, components matched the hours, but about after 15 hours, the master clutch let loose, pilot bearing gone. Had I known the clutch issue prior, I'd have haggled a bit, but still wanted this particular low hour original tractor, to me it was part of the deal, seller may have known, maybe not, he contacted me not all that long ago, just to say hello I think and I told him about what happened, I never heard back, but hoped too, seemed like a very honest person, the deal went as planned, and I never thought badly of the person because of it, given the situation, I may have missed it if I went and looked at it myself. Just one of those things, and the rest of the tractor was definitely low hour, track adjusters never been let out since new, pedals show no wear, hour meter original and working, diesel ran like a top, started easy even in cold weather.
I did the same with my F600, had more rust when I saw it, but ok... I could have found a cleaner one, but I did what I needed to do and the darned thing more than paid for itself.
I don't recommend buying sight unseen if you have high expectations, but sometimes when the information you have adds up, not going to break the bank if it is a flop, by the same token, one should not be foolish with money either.
I think the most remarkable thing in my deal with that old Cat, was the trucker who hauled it. From a cold phone call, we did not know each other, or have ever done business before, he picked it up, had a 3020 JD on the front of the deck, and delivered it here, I gave him a personal check, + $100 bonus for a 1200 mile haul over width, Target Transport - Steve Sabo, hard to believe but entirely true, its the way things should be but with so many dishonest folks out there, I was really surprised he'd just pick it up and take a check when it arrived, both the seller and he, sure seemed like good ole honest folks, that you would want to do business with again, I always hoped the seller was not put off by what I told him, ( in case you're reading LOL !) was still a good deal, I've yet to get it repaired, but am close.
Figured I'd share that, but good luck with your endeavor to get a Gator, handy thing to have, hope you find what you need !
