VPI HW-19 or VPI Traveler

The 19 Jr. has a full size arm board made from partial board and has Sorbothane pucks as the suspension. 

With the HW-19 MKIII, the sub chassis changes from one inch thick MDF to a non-magnetic, 10 gauge, stainless steel sheet laminated to a 1/2" shiny black acrylic top plate and tonearm board with a spring suspension and a cork covered bottom platter, with lead inserts. The tonearm board is removable for easy arm changes, but is fastened to the steel sheet also.

I have had both and like the JR. with a MKIII platter and the Sorbothane pucks replaced with Herbies Tall Tenderfeet better.

Frogman it does have the separate arm board and acrylic lead platter. 

I’ve been using the HW-19 MK3 for 25 years. The only part I replaced is the Hurst motor that is still available ($90) from Hurst.
I doubt you will find a better table for a grand. If that table was still being made it would be in the $3000+ range. BTW, I use mine with a SME 309 arm so I can’t comment on the Rega arm!
https://www.vpiindustries.com/hw-19-mkiii

Regarding the bearings. It will probably play reasonably well if the owner took care of it by changing the bearing oil, generally every 5 years or so.

The original question related to "new condition." If you want to assure that the table is playing at its very best you can eventually take the bearing apart and look at it. The ball and/or the thrust plate will or will not show signs of wear. They are easily replaced. [Actually if there’s a flat spot on the ball it can be removed, turned, and re-glued in.] At the VPI forum people will tell you how to do it yourself. Or VPI will do it for you. Consult with them as to their charge.

In any event, as others have noted, the potential of the HW-19 is certainly greater than the Traveler.

I went ahead and purchased it. Felt like a good platform to start with. There were enough positives that the decision is easy enough. Coming from the technics sl1700 MK2 I'm sure I won't be disappointed.