So would I ( Matter of fact, I did that in the early 80s; But is was more like 10 hours round trip. This was before digital photography and email. And the car was rust bucket ).
If the seller does not want the hassle there is not much you can do.
Quoted from tomdrum:I don't think asking for a single picture before driving 5.5 hours is asking the seller to bend over backwards. Would you drive that distance to buy a 16year old pin if the seller refused a picture of the playfield?
It would depend on the pin. I always demanded pictures, but always made sure the seller knew I was on the way with cash and that I was coming to make a not-tire-kicker-no-hassle buy.
In the old days of newspapers and before Craiglist, when you had to pay to place an ad that only lasted for a week or 2 weeks or just weekends, when your ad was close to expiring, you might start getting real price and negotiating friendly. Just because you placed an ad did not mean you made a sale. There was more than one instance where calling an ad from and old newspaper and asking if the "unit" was still for sale would bring a reply of, "Yes". And then you could make a deal .
Then Craigslist came along and a seller can keep something up for sale for months, if not years, and gets to place the ad for free. It is hard to bargain with someone in this position; Especially, when what is for sale is not eating anything.
If it is still for sale in a couple more weeks, then maybe the seller will be more friendly. This is where you be nice, play nice. Contact the seller again and say you are "still interested in having a look. Here is my phone number if we can work something out. "