The older Vermeers (in your price range) were not even remotely in the same class as a 644/654/648/658 NH with regards to longevity (belt breaking SOBs) nor baling speed. A 535 JD is an ok baler (5x6), but again, not in the same class as the New Holland for baling speed. I've baled side by side (or baled with) every John Deere baler from the 510 up to whatever model they had last year, and I was able to bale at least 1/2 mph faster with my old 664 all while making nicer bales.
I know the green guys will tell you that they don't break down as much, but they're just as likely to break down as any of them, and when they do, they cost more to fix.
Stick with an NH 644/654. Watch for belt tracking issues on anything you might want to buy. If the belts were not aligned correctly, they will wear on the sledge frame (the inner frame holding a top idler roller and 3 dimpled rollers). If the belts have run to the outside alot, they will wear on the frame, eventually sawing it off. If the sledge is worn, its repairable by a good welder right inside the baler, as long as the frame isn't bent. If the frame is bent, go to the next baler in line. Also check the pickup over. Watch for bent pickup tooth mount bars, and try to check the cam follower bearings. Cheap to fix, but not easy.
Otherwise, look for signs of body stretch (too much hay stuffed into the machine) and give all the rollers a turn and jiggle to listen or feel for bad bearings.
Another machine to look at, although its probably out of your price range is a 946A Hesston. I baled with a new 2745 Massey (956A Hesston) last year, and I feel as though these balers are the ones to beat right now. Tougher pickup than the JD (which have a good pickup), equal baling speed to the New Hollands, and double bearing main rollers (which NONE of them have). Their self-contained hydraulic pump reduces HP requirements on the tractor, especially as you near bale end. The work expected from the tractor is exactly the same from bale start to bale end. And the best monitor on the market (although the older ones only had a decent monitor, not like the TV they have now).
Rod