Which VPI LP Cleaning Machine?

I think that the most commonly used and recommended one is probably the 16.5 model. The key to buying one of these at a good price is to either shop around the net for a used one or wait till a big vinyl dealer ( like Music Direct, etc... ) has a sale on brand new or "demo" models. Biding my time and playing my cards right, I was able to snag a brand new sealed unit for $325 from an authorized dealer. Deals ARE out there, you just have to look around. Sean
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I have a question about the 16.5 model. I have seen a few 16.5s for sale, where the seller mentions that it has some stainless steel collector or container. Is this a difference between various VPI LP models (like the 16 and 16.5) or is this something that has changed over the years within the 16.5?

If this is something that has changed in the 16.5 model over the years, is it really important that I select a model with one? If so, where do I tell the seller to look for it?
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I was in the market for either machine and was more inclined to get the VPI 17. An analog dealer in Northern California who sells both units told me that the VPI 17 Record Cleaning Machine is a bit more problematic than the 16.5. He recommended the 16.5 over the 17. I just purchased a new 16.5 from Audio Advisor and am completely satisfied with it.

ss pan is new design that lasts longer than the corroding pan of the original. it is a good feature cause you don't want fluid leaking. my unit is a 16.5 and has performed flawlessly for well over a year and 300 + cleanings.

Having been, well, screwed, early on when I was a novice on the VPI's, here are some differences.

The VPI 16 has not been made in over 15 years. It had the vacuum tube attached to the lid and did not have a reservoir for fluid - it just was sucked into the base for evaporation.

Some 16's were upraged to 16.5's - different lid, with the vacuum tube mounted on the deck, and a plastic reservoir (later ss) mounted under the deck to hold fluid (mostly grime). In addition, some 16.5's were made that have a 16 model plate on the back. Folks at VPI explained to me that the very earliest 16.5's used the 16 name plates that were left over in stock at the time.

I don't know too many specific about the 17, only that I would like to have one and they are about 3X the price of a 16.5. A friend that I know has no problems with his and can clean many records in one sitting. I can personally attest that the 16.5 will get HOT after doing about 6-7 records. Push it too far and it WILL shut down. I am thinking of modifiying my 16.5 to include a small fan.

Sean is right, shop around for deals and, if not doing business with a verifiable dealer - check out the condition carefully before buying................