Chakster, I am not saying you can't get excellent used equipment but there is always a risk. Bearings and cartridges are either fragile or there is a wear factor involved. If owner 1 moved to a new house, did not pack his TT well and let the mover bounce it across town you have a damaged bearing that may not be noticeable at first. I have seen several people inadvertently screwed this way.
About to Buy a Technics SP-10!? Am I making a mistake?
I'm about to buy an old technics sp10 mk2. I can't test it. Have no idea if it all works. It'll be about $600. Am I making a huge mistake?
https://imgur.com/a/dQVJ3uQ
https://imgur.com/a/dQVJ3uQ