I splurged on a "non-working" printer on TAS in the past couple of weeks. I didn't ask too much about its state of malfunction--"won't power up" is what the listing said--but for USD45 + outrageous shipping from Israel I thought what the heck.
Well, a working battery and and a light blowing of dust from the print head area was all that was needed. Works beautifully.
Moreover, it took no time at all for me to use my McGyvered 16V DC source to give a quick charge to the dead old NiCd, and that works. And if it does die for good in time--which it will--I have another set of parts with which to build another pack.
Sometimes things just work out. I have seen these printers for much more on TAS (albeit with some more accoutrement). As someone who HAS overpaid in the past due to impatience, I am glad to make a deal.
Cheers,
Les