My first turntable in 1974- BIC 940 belt drive. What a POS! I think it was designed engineered ok, just poor quality of materials & construction. The fluid in cueing system leaked on early & would drop the needle on the record faster than you could do it by hand. The speed wasn't stable & the attached mat on the platter was uneven.
I could have purchased a fully manual Thorens for the same price or an automatic Dual 1247 for about $20 more. Live & learn.