I figure two things at play.
>
> 1) It's good equipment. Even old and used, it retains it's value.
>
> 2) There are many used equipment dealers that 'specialize' in the
> testing, repair and calibration of HP and Tektronix test equipment.
> They want this stuff! They can fix it. They can take the risk and if
> necessary scrap it for parts. They can buy used HP and Tektronix
> equipment at prices higher than most are willing to pay.
> Can you risk spending alot on possibly buggy scope? Well..they can.
> Can you compete in a bidding war with a bunch of used equipment
> dealers also in a bidding war between each other? I can't.
Or 3) Bid more, driving up prices, causing your friends grief. ;-)
Wanna save some bucks.. Go asian tech.. It's vulture resistant. :P
>
Mostly for a reason.