My two cents. A used VPI Scout would be about $1,400 a Scoutmaster 50% more (and probably a 50% upgrade over the Scout).
"Scoutmaster [2004]The Scoutmaster took the best concepts of the Scout and stepped them up. More mass, more low-end! It doubled up the chassis and added a steel center between. At the time it had the same platter as the Aries 3 which was a thicker acrylic platter using an inverted bearing."
Check that the bearing is in good shape - it should have a very light film of lithium grease.
I have had my Scoutmaster now for almost 20 years. My daughter still uses the entry level VPI turntable that I bought in the 90's.
My deck was in my country house in VT in the early 2000's and there was a power outage that caused the interior of the house to be about 15 degs. F for a week. My cartridge did not survive (along with my kitchen faucet). I bought the Koetsu Black - which is still in use.
The Scoutmaster/Koetsu Black combination brings me much Joy.
The Phono stage is the Sutherland Duo. Preamp is LA4. PA either Pass Labs CA25 or my home brew fully balanced 65N7-300B. Rockport Atria II speakers.