Thanks everyone for the advice - that's the direction I was leaning in, nice to have confirmation.

No that wasn't my intention. It may work out that way, because the only shop I test road at I wasn't happy with so I walked out.

I was intending to buy from a really local shop (no offense of course to Thor or any other Internet shop on the forums) - that is, somewhere that's within easy walking distance of home or work. Without any experience to back this up, my feeling was that - particularly for someone that's new to folding - having a relationship with a good nearby bike shop to help you out if something goes wrong is a good idea.

But after casually looking around on Craigslist it's clear the particular models I'm looking at are very common and from the descriptions in very good working order. So the new plan is to get a used $300-ish D7 or similar to get me back into riding and into the world of folders. If after I'm at it a while I feel like I want an upgrade, to the bikeshop I'll go.

Thanks again everyone, this forum is an excellent resource! Requisite pictures to come once I've settled on a bike.