When I was young I gave no credit to looks. Sound quality was everything. Although, I have always purchased new... I aways keep my speakers for a very long time.
As I got older and more financially stable, looks started playing a role. Now, it is a factor. I never knew that owning beautiful speakers could add to the enjoyment. My Sonus Faber Amati Traditional are simply stunning... as opposed to the black monoliths and obelisks I owned in my younger day. I buy new now... that way they come in absolutely flawless condition and stay that way.