First "real" TT...

I've never had any luck with used gear on ebay. I think mint condition does mean the same thing it means here on Agon. Another vote for the Technics 1200 series.

Un-modified or KAB modded it's a great. A bit ugly but still a great performer. It has a removal headshell for easy cartridge setup. The counter weight is numbered and you won't need to buy a scale. Buying used gives you the opportunity to get a little better cartridge and stay in budget.

Good luck

I say pro-ject the debut is a better starter then the rega p1

gentlemen. I took vegasears advice and got a SL-MK1210. I found it at a pawn shop for $175! Obviously this was a DJ table, cartridge was ruined, antiskate was up all the way, and it was dirty. But, everything works, speed is dead on, and I can't hear any rumble. Other than a bit of grime, the tonearm seems perfect to my uneducated eyes. It doesn't have any looseness, VTA and counter weight adjusts work smoothly, and if there's any bearing friction, I can't feel it, and could on the last one I had.
Now I need to know if there is anything else i should be checking for, problem-wise; and I need to decide on a cartridge. I since I saved a bit of money, I can get a slightly better cart, anything up to $200. I think I've narrowed it down to the following:
AT 440MLa
Ortofon 2M Blue
Goldring G2200
Grado Silver 1 Prestige

oh! forgot the Denon DL-160

Since no response since I mentioned the cartridge, I went ahead and got the Denon DL-110.
I am happy with the sound so far, but distorted electric guitar sounds mushed and strange. Bass, Vocals, Cymbals sound better than anything I've had in the past! Is my cheapo phonostage the problem here?