What was your budget for TBC?
Professional TBCs used in broadcast/studios were well over $1k, but thankfully most don't meet out needs for VHS work. Most of those are abused as well, so doubly not what you want.
The "prosumer" TBCs (for professionals and video hobbyists) were about half that, in the $300-500 range, depending on when you bought it. About 20 years ago $300, about 10 years ago $500. These days prices are based on model, rarity, demand, also mostly in the $400-700 range.
You can sometimes eek by with just a ES10/15 type from under $150, but realize some tapes will still fail. Nothing copy protected can pass a signal. And you need to be very careful buying one, as eBay has more junk units than not (including "tested" and "working" units that are neither; also be warned of units that smell like ash trays.).
You should also read this:
http://www.digitalFAQ.com/editorials...g-workflow.htm
