I have bought and sold on ebay, Yes if you are buying it is safe.
It's the selling thats messed up!
If you have any problems..ie not as described or not working or what not just file a (not as described complaint) and ebay will make the seller refund your money.
Thats why i quit selling on ebay myself, people would get the item and then a month after having the item got there use out of it or what not and would say it was broke when received!
Ebay allows the buyer to file this claim up to 90 days i believe it was!
So buying is very secure...it's the selling part thats kind of messed up!
So buy away.... no matter what you will atleast get your money back in a worst case senario