Vintage or new turntable

I also like vintage Thorens - TD160 Supers are cool, but still need a little work if purchased stock, I like the Linn LP12 too soundwise but they are just way too tweaky and fussy for me. Artisan used to convert TD160 Mk1 to "Super" level with a total rehaul and different plinth but I am not sure if they still work with the TD160, that was awhile ago that I saw one. If you could stretch your budget just a little, you could grab a restored and decked out Thorens TD125 from Artisan Fidelity, they even get rid of the old sloppy suspension. From what I gather, they offer another version not shown on the website with a one inch plinth for way under 2 grand. With arm and cart you would be pushing the budget a bit I know, but one heck of a beautiful classic vintage table you would have. I know they offer new motors for them also, in addition but that would probably really break the bank...gotta leave something for a good tonearm and cartridge!

Find a Technics 1200 and look up KAB for an upgrade path. I will guarantee you these tables will go up in value. Check the KAB websight for a little history of the 1200 pretty eye opening understanding that the technology behind the drive system makes the modern audio jewelry look like something from the stone age. I have SP-25 on a custom plinth coupled with a Black Widow arm. I am currently running an Empire 2000E III and have a Shure V15 III and a Grado coming. The Empire performs way above expectations in a real low mass arm. I have less that $1,400 invested in my setup including all three cartridges.

Within this budget I would consider for myself either Nottingham or Technics. For you - I don't know.
And I actually got five years old Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm last year for $1350 without cartridge. Good cartridge would cost you $300-$400 new or used, many choices.

I respect the 1200 and 1210 Technics but its for the reliability more than anything. Sound wise and looks wise they just never did a thing for me, I'd take a good vintage belt drive any day. I know they have a really faithful dj following but for home hifi use I could not see ever using one personally even with the great dj "pro" appeal. An Sp10mkii now is a different story.... :)

For a newbie, I would suggest stay with the products of companies that are still in the turntable business, old or new, and that can be serviced by those companies, unless you are into advanced DIY or have a very trusted and knowledgeable repair person available to you. This is coming from an avowed and confirmed user of three turntables that no longer exist.