That dishwasher is two generations old therefore IMO it is not a very good price. There is a Miele dealer near me that has a floor model La Perla II with SS door and visible controls for $1250 if you happen to live anywhere near Los Angeles.

About a year and a half ago when the Diamond came out I purchased a La Perla II for just under $1700 from an authorized dealer. I would much rather buy a brand spanking new Miele Futura Dimension Series G5775SCVi for $1779. Much more useful features like comfort close that the extra 7 or so programs offered by the 19 program La Perla I

My La Perla II has the salt dispenser on the base but the Diamond has it on the door.

La Perla I and Diamond are the only two Miele dishwashers with in- door salt dispensers as far as I know. Maybe some older models before La Perla I ? I have not read anything about them being less reliable.

Diamond has salt in the bottom dishwasher as well. La Perla I was the last to have it in the door. Not sure why Miele moved the softener for the US market, as they as still in the door for TOL in the rest of the world. I bought a La Perla 2 floor model last December for the price you've been quoted, so I too, think its a bit steep.