If it smells like a scam, I'd spend not 1 more second thinking about that deal and I'd look somewhere else.

Escrow "offers" were used in so many scams, I'd never buy anything unless it's from a reputable store, or paid on arrival.
I think large shipping companies offer this option, why wouldn't the seller use it if he's legit?
Or why wouldn't it be ok to go there and get it in person? For a 40k deal I'd fly over.