I don't know if my own experience will be of any help to you but here goes. I purchased my own Dahon 2003 Boardwalk S1 on December, 2003 sight unseen. I did not test ride one nor have I ever even saw one-even though I live biking distance from Dahon's global headquarters. I purchased one on the recommendation of my favorite LBS and my own research. I have never regretted my decision as I paid for a custom job far more than $300.
Please read my threads on this subject on these forums as well as Dahon's own site.