VPI traveller vs Project rm5.1 vs second hand VPI?


I'm building my Hifi system and have decided to go with a turntable source. Im looking to spend around $1000 - 1500 and the choices are bewildering. So far VPI seems to have the best reputation (atleast on the net). I'm willing to get a second hand system but am leery about have to tinker too much with it. I would really prefer something I could start playing and enjoy with minimum fuss. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated. Please help this newbie out...I've already bought my first LP and I don't even have a TT yet!

Thanks in advance.
Arjun
PS: I am also looking into amps (around $500) and speakers (< $1000) that would match the TT, any ideas? I would probably buy both second hand to keep costs down and still get a decent enough system.
arjundas
I really appreciate all the responses. I accept that my Amp and speaker budget is light but I wanted to get a TT that would last me atleast 10 years and capable of keeping up with upgrades to my system over the next few years. My in laws recently upgraded their home system and I was planning to go through their old speaker/amp and salvage what I could. They tend to get really expensive systems and even though I'll be getting something 5 - 10 yrs old I'm sure it will be decent.

Reading your responses I feel a new TT is probably the way to go. I just have to dealers for VPI etc in Toledo!
what do you guys think of this deal?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VPI-HW-19-MK-3-TURNTABLE-/221180759879?pt=US_Record_Players_Home_Turntables&hash=item337f668f47
I can't locate the turntable you left the address for.
Try using the highlighted markup tags (located below response box, highlighted in blue)to leave a clickable link. I have owned the table you are looking at on e-bay and also have the Traveler. The Traveler is a much better all around table and the arm is light years ahead of the MK3.
I appreciate your feedback re: MK3 vs Traveller. Any thoughts on Traveller vs. Project RM 5.1 vs Rega 5 ?
Have you looked into the Clearaudio Concept turntable? It got good reviews and is in your price range. I have been using Clearaudio tables for many years and they last.

I had Project Xpression and Rega P5 for my small room. I like the P5 better. I don't have any experience with the Traveler.

I am positive that all of the tables you mentioned above are nice performers. A few years down the road, you may be upgrading again. I don't think you have to commit yourself to a table at this point for so many years.