IMHO; I think that it's worth the hours drive. Ask if he can leave them setup for you to hear if it's possible. This way you can listen to what your getting. To allay any fear you might have about their fragility, Magnepan 1.6qr's are fully fused, and nearly indestructible by electrical overdrive.

The speakers aren't too heavy, but they are long. You're going to need an SUV, or a car with a fold down seat in back to transport them. You've really got nothing to loose but your time. For $1100 your not going to take a loss if you want to re-sell them.

FWIW; I would offer $1k cash and see it that takes them. Like they say, cash talks!