There's a lot of misinformation running around this thread.
Hobart sold KA to Whirlpool in 1985. If the machine question is a Hobart/KA, it will say so on the bottom side of the base. I'm not sure when Whirlpool compromised KA stand mixer quality but if the machine was made in the nineties or the early part of this century, it's a bad bet.
Even if it is a Hobart, and you're not going to use it for tough duty like whole wheat breads and stiff cookie doughs, but for doing things like cake batters, whipped cream, egg whites, etc., I wouldn't buy it. If you look, you can find a brand new K45 goes for less than $160. At the time I'm posting this, there's an Amazon ad featuring a white K45 for $140 on this CT page.
If you are buying for heavy duty use, $160 is still a lot of money for a used appliance of uncertain vintage.
On the other hand, the deal looks sweeter if it includes a few "attachments" like the grater, grinder, and/or pasta maker.
I think you're probably better off buying something larger (KA's larger machines have metal gears and gear housing) and new from someplace with a liberal exchange policy who also offers an extended warranty. Extended warranties aren't always a good idea, but a stand mixer, especially a KA, is one of those things for which it is.
If you're really serious about bread, to the extent that you bake more than 50 or 60 loaves a year, or do frequent cookie baking, consider saving up for an Electrolux Assistent.
BDL
Edited by boar_d_laze - 3/29/12 at 8:45am
