my standard reccomendation sub £500 is a used nottingham analogue interspace.

it sounds great, is unlikely to have damage (there isnt any suspension to damage!), can be upgraded with heavier platters and power supplies, and often comes with a rega arm for about £400-£450.

If I couldnt have a NAS interspace, I'd get lorricraft to do me up a garrard with a rega arm for less than £500.