Dobson new vs. used

I have been comparing GOTO Dobs and seriously looking at a new Tscope F4.5 15", with Obsidian Primary at 1/20 wave for about $7100 including ServoCat Jr., Argo Navis, and CR3 moonlite focuser. Now I noticed an Obsession 18", built in 1996 serial # 196 with all the GOTO bells and whistles (GOTO and electronics are 2 years old) listed on Astromart for 6K http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=413427.
That would cost about 9,200 new. However given the it is 10 Years old do I risk a lot of maintainence on the obsession (other than mirror coating which I would plan to do). Gaining 3" in aperture for 1K less seems like a good choice but again is age a critical fator with an obssession dob.

Eric

A used dob can be a real cost saver but you have to be careful. How has the scope been used? I find some use their scopes very hard and actually abuse them by not being careful. They are nicked, scratched, dented, etc and then the owners advertise them as "lightly used." Others handle their scopes with care, as you should any fine instrument.

I suggest asking lots of questions and getting lots of pictures. Check everything very carefully. If possible, take the time and drive out to see it.

Good luck!

Bill

You can find a Starmaster 14.5" with Go-To, Featheretouch focuser and all kinds of accessories here used for $5,000 or sometimes less. That is a heck of a deal and the optics are of the finest quality available.

Eric,
I wouldnt worry about the age of the scope. Obsessions are built like tanks. Besides, structurally, they're not that complicated ( like any other truss dob).
I would suggest that if he added the Servo Cat, then he must have taken good care of the scope.

Mark
15"Obsession/Swayze
#643