OK, Tvad, no question it is old, and may become junk with a few hours use. (since NO parts will be available to fix even simple items like a belt or pulley) It has rubber belts in it that drive the mechanism from the motor/motors. Do you think those belts are going to just not age? IF they are made out of a synthetic (it would have to be a $$$ Nakamichi), maybe they won't break right off. but do you think it is fair to list it "as new" and NOT reveal that it is in fact AT LEAST 15 years old?
And that NO specialty parts are going to be available?
That is the problem.
If you DID say this machine has sat for 15 years with little use etc, then I guess a buyer can make a fair decision as to whether they are going to take the chance. It is when a seller does not reveal the 15 year age, just "looks great" that it becomes a shady deal.
Personally I would NEVER buy a 15 year old mechanical device EXCEPT a turntable and that only if it did not have an idler wheel design.. (only because the motor does just one thing..and the plain bearing in a turntable is pretty indestructable.)
Something like a cassette player, a video recorder, An open reel machine, a CD player.. hah... I would surely pass. I want stuff that works.. not a new project.
And, finally (deep breath here) IMO any cassette deck is junk because it it a dead format. It belongs out there with eight-track machines, Beta video machines, laserdisc players, 78 rpm turntables.. this is, of course, just my opinion. Some folks lives may revolve around restoring and using eight-track machines...
I've thrown away my cassette players, and tapes, thrown away my Beta machine and tapes, thrown away the VHS machine and tapes, thrown away the LD players and laserdiscs.
Thrown away generally means gave away to a Goodwill. Where folks can buy junk and have a seven day return on all electronics (since they pay maybe $5 to $20 bucks.. it ain't a big risk.)
I hope this clarification answers your query about your cassette deck?
