I paid Aidy when he dropped my bike off which was a private sale from Norwich off eBay. I just paid the guy a couple of hundred deposit then bank transferred him the rest when Aidy arrived to collect it.
The first bike Ady brought over for me I gave him cash to bring over. Worked out ok. The second bike, I think the bank wouldn't give me the cash out, and I didn't want to chance transferring the money when Ady landed to collect, incase there was a massive delay. So I had the seller already paid up via transfer. I wasn't happy until I received word the bike had been lifted squeaky bum. But I done some digging on the seller beforehand and discovered he had his own established business etc so took the chance.
Definitely go across the water for the right bike, so much more choice. Ady is easy to talk to, and doesn't mind you ringing him for an update etc which is a massive thing for me. No messing about.
P.s. go for the 1000