I've become a bit hooked on buying vintage LV bags from eBay; I've been pleased with almost everything I've purchased, and those 2 or 3 bags I haven't loved, I've returned. To protect yourself, I'd recommend that you only purchase from sellers who have free 30 or 60 day returns: to return a medium size bag to Japan via the USPO (and perhaps Canada is similar?) can cost about $70, which can be a substantial fraction of the cost of a vintage bag. (There may be cheaper ways to do it, but it seems important to have a tracking number and insurance.) . A cracked handle doesn't sound too bad--and my understanding is that LV could replace it--if there are no cracks in the canvas or signs (for example, a non-original rivet) that someone else has worked on the bag.
My favorite of the Japanese resellers has been Japan Monoshare: the bags arrive quickly, and the returns are easy. They seem to have an office in California, which simplifies things for US buyers. I've also purchased some bags from Boom2hanten, including my favorite used bag ever: an Amazonia Garden Party in gorgeous condition for about $250. Communication with them has sometimes been a bit difficult, and they sent the wrong bag last time around. I returned it to them and eventually got the right one, but now they've blocked my bids on eBay because I've returned too many bags to them: a total of three, including the one they asked me to return. I tell that story not to complain about them--shipping is expensive; I do understand--but to note that even companies that offer free returns seem not to offer an infinite number of them.
I hope that helps! Good luck with the spontini!
