Wanna Buy my Receiver? It Works Like New. Does it Really?

I buy vintage electronics. Many times the seller will say “it works like new.” Rarely does an electronic device whether it be a stereo receiver, amplifier, two way radio, etc. work as new forty to fifty years later. After a half century values of components drift whether it be vacuum tubes, resistors, capacitors, even the dial cords stretch out over time. Yes, many do work. And some equipment works better then decent. But…after all these years they all need service, ALL. Whether it’s a scratchy volume control or an alignment it still needs service. When I buy equipment I don’t even plug it in. No kidding, what’s the point it needs service due to age and a long period of non-use even if it does still work. It could fail tomorrow or the next day so working condition is not that important to me. Cosmetic condition is important, I can attempt to fix and repair the insides but the outsides are much more difficult to restore when damaged. Sometimes knobs are missing, no big deal. I have about every knob from every receiver / amp ever made. But, if the shaft is snapped now that’s a major problem especially on mode or speaker selectors. In short, nothing that is “old” works as new. Yes, it can work, it can even work well…but it won’t work like new.