Need your opinions on this used insert..fireplace xtrordinair 33

Hey everyone. I found what seems to be a good deal on a used insert pretty local to me. I have been talking with the seller about the insert and was told that he bought the house with this in it and hasn't use it since. Doesn't know much about it and is looking to sell it and throw in the stainless liner . First off I would like to know if the unit seems solid? I don't know much about it but from my research it seems to be a fireplace xtrordinair 33 elite fdx. I asked to see pics of the inside of the unit and will show you what I received. My real questions here does everything look decent? All I see is a few cracks in the firebrick but does that matter? Please let me know what you gather from he pics and if all looks ok how much would it be worth?


EDIT: pics of stove on second page..picked up on 10/6

These are the rest of the pics. Let me know what you see and think about it

Thanks guys, he is asking 1k for everything. I would def offer a bit less because of the obvious reasons. It does come with the surround but it's only pictured in that one pic. Is their any way to check if the blowers are working without starting a fire? And thanks mellow for the manual. I am going to see how low he will go and throw in the things you listed to back up my reasoning. Will update you guys on what's going on. If I can't get it a bit cheaper I will prob just pass

Thanks for the ideas guys. I wrote him back and asked what he will take knowing I have to buy some new things and also if it would be ok if I lit a small fire to see if the blowers worked. Waiting on response. The cheaper the deal the better in the end just in case the blowers or other unknowns are broken or on last legs. At least I know 800-1k is not overpaying. How long do ss liners last?

I don't know the year begreen but I know it's the older model. Doesn't look that old but who knows. And thanks about the liner, that's what I figured but just making sure. I heard back from the seller and he said give him an offer. His chimney sweep told him to list it for 1k hence the price and has been offered $500 so as long as its higher then that then I can get it. Not sure how much higher but if I could take it all for like $600-700 then I really can't lose right?

Mellow I was thinking of that also. Either way I can't really lose as long as it works. Figured for the price I can use it for a year and then buy a better insert next year if needed. If all works out what do you think the best way to get this 450lb beast into my pickup is? If I take the firebricks out and maybe even the doors how much do you think that will lighten the load? Was hoping me and my 2 brothers could just hoist it up in there. But I'm open to opinions as the best way and prob easier way to do it.

Sorry for the delay in writing back. I went to go take a look at the unit today and with all of your advice I looked at certain areas for graying or paint issues/cracks. All looked good and I threw it in the truck well not that easy butI took the firebricks and doors off to lighten the load a little. I need to replace 4 bricks but the rest looked fine. The door gaskets look like they need replacing as well but besides that all looks good. Got it home late so I didn't get a chance to clean it up and take pics but I will tomorrow and post some up. Back to the story..My brothers and I got the 450lb insert in the truck with no issues at all and figured the liner would be even easier. We go on the roof, take off the cap and there is no liner in sight? I tell my brother down below to just pull on the liner a little and he pulls it right out of the chimney. They had it shoved in there and ended just over the smoke shelf, maybe 6-7 feet or so. It falls onto the hearth and so much soot and creosote falls. Prob bc they can't really clean it that way. O and there was no insulation or block off plate installed so just a short liner going to nothing. I was a little disappointed here bc I was going to save a lot on a liner but this piece was useless. Just left it at the house since it was banged up and burnt a little at the top. Now bc of this though I walked away without the liner but with the insert and surround for a negotiated price of 500. Overall I feel like I got a great deal.
So now onto the next step. What is the best yet cost effective 6x25 ss liner to go with? Is 2 ply smooth wall worth it such as a flex king pro insert kit shipped to my door for right at $400. After that I should just need a good cap and block off plate which I will make myself. What cap do you guys use on a terra cotta clay liner?

Thanks webby. I feel like I got a great deal. Is there a section here that I can find out how to take apart the blowers and grease/oil them up?


Ram 1500: what type of liner did you get? Their seems to be a big price jump from 1ply to 2 and smooth wall. I also think I would like to get the good cap which hinges and is much easier for clean out. Going to get up on the roof within the next few days to see how much room I have to get down the chimney but from it looks like I won't have enough to squeeze in a full insulation wrap. Maybe just roxul on the top and on the block off plate