Apparently we have two places to discuss this machine. The other in the Audio Discussions section, Turntables and Vinyl forum and here in the DIY Central section and Turntable forum.
I posted this in the other thread about this exact table.
sold for 140 new 78-80. Pioneer name is costing a c-note on that one well maybe 25 of that is the presumed better condition because the box is included.
Most tts from that era are worthy. I just sold a Pioneer PL-10 for about 150, plug and play beautiful condition, unknown nail condition but replacements available. Have a Toshiba SR-A100 soon to be on the block for half what that Pioneer is selling for. It was 115 in 80-81.
And I stand by those comments.
The 518 is the next table up on the line same timeframe selling for 200. It is popular, too and sells for way more than it should but I know about tables like the Philips brand and others that are as good or better that people don't want because is not a Pioneer, Sansui or Marantz.
I use the MSRP as mentioned in the Orion blue book which isn't always right and is not what one could buy the table for if they asked for a deal. Pioneer was reduced by 30% at warehouses. Add a sharp nail to either table, an entry level bonded tip cartridge and you might have to pay list price.
So although this table might sell for 275 it is a c-note overpriced because of the name, not performance. But getting a good table for under 3 is not a bad deal these days. I would look around more but I don't know the demands for this table in its planned place of use and I know a good bit about tables of the era having sold this crap from 77-80. And I have a larger metro area to find gear.