Top used turntables under $500

Just picked up a second Technics SL-1700mk2 that needs a little rehab and restoration for $250. I’ll have to put new interconnects on it, a headshell and cartridge, and do a full tear-down, clean, and lube. Should have somewhere near $700 into it then. The other one I have got the same treatment plus SL-1200mk2 feet and dustcover, and sounds wonderful. 

Townshend rock elite - brilliant design - not the greatest finish but very very effective

@lohanimal, your nomination of the Townshend Rock Elite is interesting. It IS a brilliant design (I’ve owned one for a quarter century), but I don’t know that you can acquire one for under $500. They rarely become available (I include Townshend in my Hi-Fi Shark search "preset"), and when they do they sell for more than that. The last marketed version of the Rock---the Mk.7---goes for over $3000 used, so that’s no help ;-) .

I bought a Rock Elite for about £300 about 4 years ago in the UK - that equates to $500 USD. Trawl some British websites.
I have spoken to MAX a few times, and people who really know his TT's and I get the impression that from the Avalon to the reference there is a house sound. I modified mine with: a Berger lahrs motor from a DPS; a two phase power supply, and an acrylic platter. Love it so much that other projects have taken a back seat as I sit back and enjoy the music

Great buy lohanimal! I got my Rock Elite just before it was discontinued for $650 U.S., which was a ridiculous bargain. A better motor is a good idea; my VPI HW-19 Mk.2 has a Berger Lahrs motor on it, which VPI used a long time ago. So you like the acrylic platter more than the stock Townshend?