Purchasing AG-1980 locally - what should I look for?

[Thor263]

Longtime lurker, first time poster!

I have the opportunity to purchase a couple of AG-1980s locally. I know that this VCR is one that needs periodic service and the condition they are in can potentially be all over the place. What are some important things I should try to check before deciding to purchase them? I also may not have the opportunity to actually connect them to a display device until after purchase.

Thanks.

[volksjager]

make sure the digital display is nice and bright
listen for any high pitch noise coming from the power supply
(both the display and power supply are easily replaced, but you want to factor that cost in)

load/eject/play/ff/rewind a tape.
make sure to high speed FF and rewind all the way to the ends of a tape.
check all buttons and switches

use a flashlight to look inside for any sign of excessive moisture or filth

if it smells like cigarettes you do not want it

that is about all you can check without hooking it to a TV

[JMP]

Good advice volksjager.

Thanks,
-JMP