The Gyrodeck is a nice turntable but can certainly be improved upon.
As you value design/looks, the Oracle Delphi Mk VI is worthy of consideration.
The Clearaudio turntables also look and sound great.
A final suggestion is Vertere. I regret I haven't heard them but I'm very familiar with Roksan's and the Vertere's take the same design principles and improve on them.
Are regards the secondhand question, I would have no problem buying a secondhand deck from a reputable dealer. SME's in particular are built like tanks and will last for ever unless deliberately abused.
Of course your ears and eyes must judge what's right for you.