Ahhh, bummer. Thanks for all the info - the continued questions weren't bc I did'nt believe the AK wisdom, I am just always curious about and amazed at some of the poor design choices you can see in old equipment (probably newer stuff too). Is the internal belt one of the reasons I (seem) to see more Rega's with aftermarket arms on them?
It sounds like the speed issue is pretty prevalent with these, is that right? The Rega is only $300 asking, its been there for a while so I think I could get it even cheaper. EVen still, not worth considering it and swapping new parts?
I've been striking out with vintage turntables recently. Two weeks ago I found a Thorens TD 160 in great cosmetic shape, only to find a bent motor spindle.
It seems like a better thread question would be - "what vintage turntable can I buy that isn't a landmine?" (in fact, I think I'll make that thread) Thanks again!
The speed issue is exacerbated by the age of the rubber band suspension on the Planar 3; as time goes by, they become even more flexible and allow the motor to move, in turn creating speed variations. The $225 24V replacement motor solves the problem...albeit, at a fairly hefty cost. There are other/better/cheaper solutions, if you enjoy DIY projects.
While some turntables were poorly designed, or not designed/implemented in such a way to last for 30, 40, or even more years, I don't consider the Thorens with a bent spindle to be an example thereof. In fact, the vast majority of the mid-grade and higher turntables from the 60's, 70's and 80's are quite reliable and need very little to make them nearly as good as new again. However, damage from poor handling is another matter, and can (obviously) render any turntable either useless or in need of expensive/complex repair.
In my experience, if you want reliability then avoid tables with sophisticated electronic controls, sensors, etc. Certainly some of these tables - like the Pioneer PL-630 I'm working on now - are wonderful performers, but the more complex they are the more there is to fail...and many of the IC's used in such tables are hard/impossible to obtain. Stick with a simpler unit, either manual or semi-auto for greatest reliability.
Bottom line, the better question for your new thread might be "which vintage tables ARE potential landmines", as the list will be much smaller than asking the reverse. And by narrowing your criteria - budget (not including cartridge), manual vs semi or full auto, suspended or not, direct drive or belt (or even idler), wooden base, willingness/ability to do basic maintenance tasks, minor repairs, major repairs, etc - you can get an even better list of tables to consider.
As for the Rega you are asking about...the value of the older Regas is primarily in their tonearms (RB250 and RB300). I would not pursue the older version, with the Acos arm...as has been pointed out above, it did not age well and frankly was nothing all that special to begin with. It surely is not worth near the asking price. If you are set on a Rega table, stick with post-1983 (the point at which they began building/using their own arms.