When a machine has been listed for a long time there's usually a reason, especially in a market with few options. Just one major flaw in the base machine could put it into the scrap metal category, I wouldn't be inclined to pay more than scrap value for something like this where I couldn't run it under power.
If the seller is a family member who inherited it they may have been told it has great value. Often there's no talking someone down when their presumably deceased relative put that into their mind, especially if they are older themselves.
And, remember.... Scrap value assumes you bring it to the scrap yard. The cost of moving something like this can be considerable if you don't know how and don't have the equipment. I might be interested in that machine at the price of "come and get it out of here".
Sorry to say, but having been in the marine industry these things are kinda like old boats. You can easily exceed their actual value by just the act of cleaning them.
If you can get it cheap, and are able to move it cheaply, and are willing and capable to make or source any obsolete parts needed to get/keep it running then it might be a great machine for your shop. As a first machine I'd advise a hard no.
Used Bridgeport/clones are out there and will be much easier to put into working order. RF30's (as you asked about in your other post) are generally available cheap and are much easier to move. Either will get you making parts quicker and will have a decent resale value if you want to upgrade.
Don't buy a pig in a poke.
John
