Asking to inspect the item at first

After winning the auction, I wanted to check the condition of the washing machine. The seller initially suggested that I make a bank transfer payment and then they will give me the address to pick up the item from the front porch contactless. This approach seems a bit questionable, as paying upfront raises concerns about what happens if they don't follow through, provide the wrong address, or if the item turns out to be faulty.

I've tried to resolve the matter by emailing them multiple times and even offering cash payment. However, their insistence on upfront payment and contactless pickup despite my concerns about the washing machine's quality makes me uneasy.

While I didn't ask for more pictures initially, I wonder if I'm really obligated to pay for the item without being able to inspect it and without even having a confirmed address upfront. The seller's approach is that I either pay upfront and receive the pickup address or they'll inform Trade Me that I want to cancel the auction (I don't want to cancel the auction). Given this situation, I'm concerned that they might stick to their version of events.