On Mar 13, 7:44 pm, "Jeff" wrote:
OK, I just passed all the exams necessary to obtain an amateur extra
license. Now I'm thinking I'd like to buy a rig for my home office/
den. The question is...do I buy a new or used radio? I have found
several used that are recommended, but to start out I'd rather not
have to jump right into the repair of my only transceiver. :-{ So,
I'm somewhat inclined to go for a new radio, but then there's the
difference in price to consider. Does anyone have any opinions on
this matter? How tough is it to work on a used radio that may/may not
have some minor/major issues when you receive it? Do used radios
generally have major issues or are the generally fairly cosmetic (i.e.
a meter that's dead, etc.)? Thanks for any info/advice.

Hi and welcome to the hobby. My opinion is that it is far better to
spend the money for a new transceiver as a new ham, rather than pay
for someone else's problems. My first transceiver was an Icom IC-718,
their inexpensive entry level transceiver - it performed exceptionally
well when the DSP module installed and I worked plenty of DX on a
G5RV.

Another fine inexpensive choice, I think, is a new Yaseu FT-857D. I
am operating this radio mobile with a ham stick with great results.
Both the IC-718 and the FT-857D would make great entry level radios,
not terribly expensive, and will really let you get your feet wet on
HF.

Good luck & 73 de NE1RI - James