SCR-8 worth

I have someone near me who is selling an SCR-8 for $125, but the tape deck doesn't work. I know this is common in these boxes; I could possibly fix it.
Is it worth it?

 

Realistic SCR-8 Boombox... quick Google turns up the goods... e-bay has 3 of em' up for sale right now... the one for $72US seems to have nothing wrong with it and they say the cassette decks plays, stops, ejects etc. , The other two up there are listed at $348US and $418US and both have issues apparently from the descriptions.

So if there is an SCR-8 nearby for $125 that you can go and check out... see what cosmetic condition it is in... maybe the cassette deck just needs cleaning and new belts? Or get the one on e-bay for less that might be better? Have fun and make sure to report back here on what decision you made! Take pictures!

 

It depends a lot on whether the aluminum trim on the front is still in place. Without this aluminum plate, it's considerably less valuable than with it.

The deck has a piece of plastic that deforms and breaks under the load of a spring. Repairing it is difficult, and there are no spare parts because they're all broken. However, it is now possible to recreate the plastic with a 3D printer. I have no experience with the latter. I managed to recreate it with glue in mine. But I hardly ever use the deck because I suspect it won't last long.

It's certainly a desirable boombox and certainly one of the better ones. It's extremely scarce in Europe because it was never sold here. If the aluminum trim is still in place, I think it's worth at least $125. I seem to remember paying about the same price on ebay us ten years ago for a minter.