Buying Advice For A Newbie: Ecm Casa V

Hi everyone. Thanks for having me here. I've learnt a lot already.

My Breville Barista Express after 5 years breaks too regularly, so I'm looking for a machine that will carry me through the next 20 years at least.

I'm in Melbourne, budget $2k for a machine + grinder. I drink 1 or 2 lattes a day. I don't have a lot of kitchen space for a big machine.

I was wanting a digital PID and that classic look, so originally was looking at the Quickmill Silvano Evo + the Varia V3, but how much the drip tray handle stuck out was troubling me, so wanted a flush drip tray.

I then read and heard that it's better to prioritise a good grinder. A friend of mine who makes lovely coffee at home swears by flat burr 64mm grinders saying it'll make good coffee on any machine, so I'm looking at the DF64 Gen 2 for my grinder.

I heard good things about ECM. To fit my budget, I've found a ECM Casa V I'm keen on, but I can't find much online about it to be honest. No PID, but the light tells me when it's ready, so that's fine.

It's nearly new, the tools don't look used at all. Purchased in 2025. It was only used a few times as the guy didn't realise he had to wait a minute before steaming milk as it's a single boiler. But I'm ok with that. They're giving me a 1 year warranty over the standard 3 months.

Under $1,900 for both and a free 1kg of coffee too.

My friend is telling me an E61 group head would be a better investment, but that really pushes my budget over $2k unless I buy a cheaper grinder. Initially I only wanted to spend just over $1k.

Would love advice on the ECM casa v and what you think of pairing it with the D64 Gen 2. I feel it's the right combo for me, but wanted to ask the experts, hence being here.

As a side note, if I do get this, I need very thin scales. I would like one that also has a timer. They recommended the Timemore Mini Espresso Scale for $85, but reviews say it's not very reliable. Any recommendations welcome.

Thanks in advance.
Lyndsey.