Used VC Montpelier insert from c-list?

All,

I have been a recreational wood burner in a ~30 yo pre-EPA coal insert with no name-plate or emission info (that I bought with the house). It's hooked to an 8" direct connect (that I installed...it was a slammer) on a 25' tall clay-lined interior chimney from 1960. My estimates say it's running at an BTU eff of ~45%, no secondary combustion at all, 2 hour burn times. It might put out 20-25 kBTU/h if you stuff it every 3-4 hours. This is just enough for winter backup, as determined in last year's ice-storm.

The wife and I would like a 'flush mount' insert with an EPA rating, and don't want to drop $4-5k for a new unit with install. I am leaning towards trolling craigslist for used inserts, perhaps for a while, and doing a DIY liner kit. I figure I can do 6" no insulation, or a 5 or 5.5" with insulation. With the interior chimney in good shape, I am ambivalent which option is better.....I favor the no insulation b/c it will be easier to install, but on the other hand with the height, I don't think the downsize to 5.5 or 5 would be a real issue draft-wise.

Local craigslist shows a VC Montpelier Insert with Mead surround, 3 yo, for $1500, versus $2900 MSRP. Figure I would offer $1350 if I decide to pull the trigger. Never craigslisted before.

Looks like a 1.5 cu ft box, EPA rated, fragile refractory on the top, tendency to develop hairline cracks. Rated for ~20-25 kBTU/h sustained output, which is aok.

Any input about how to handle the flue OR the merits of buying a used Montpelier? I figure I could be done for ~$2k all in with the liner kit.

I am not worried about long-term durability....will still be a rec burner, but happier with longer burn times and less shame at smoking out the 2nd biggest metro on the East Coast.

Didn't see a lot of recent user reports....just that the BTU output is not too huge, and the bricks can crack.

I gather the bricks are non-standard sizes and have to be ordered from VC?

Looks like the mead surround is 1.5" too short for my opening....so I would have to build up my hearth underneath by 2". Other than that, very similar in dimension to the existing stove (whose ugly surround I took off years ago).

Looks like VC sells a 1" and 2" base trim extender.....anyone here use those?? Can't find any pics online or in the VC materials.

Points taken. I think the wife will insist on an attractive flush-mount. Rather, I think a flush mount at $2k is an easier sell than a non-flush mont at $1500. I had been looking at the Lopi Declaration and its clones, but blanching at the price.

The Montpellier is not large, but I think it the BTU output will match my needs....recreation, 1 warm room, helping my HP in a cold snap, backup heat on rare occasions, etc.

The unit I was looking at:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/hsh/4701834876.html
is only 3 seasons old. I would assume that I would inspect it for damage (warped ceiling, badly cracked refractories), and that I can haggle them down a little.

I've replaced blowers before....I can certainly tweak it for noise or upgrade it if I like.

The Georgian would just cover my fireplace opening, but that's not for sale....buying a new Georgian surround is $650, while the 2" riser spacer is ~$40.

And I was planning on a pro sweep when the fireplace is empty.