Questions on Rega RB700 with scratch in paint on arm

I can get a Rega P5/RB700 that is for sale for around GBP 330.
Downside is that the arm has a scratch on the paint, since the seller unfortunately dropped an LP on the arm. Furthermore, some paint has faded at the main bearing as well.
My questions are:

  • does this have any effect on SQ
  • apart from aesthetics, could anything else (bearing, lift, etc) have been damaged and how could I notice that damage?
  • is the P5/RB700 a musical TT anyway or should I avoid?

Thanx for all the serious and unserious feedback, cheers!

It looks more like a scuff and might come off with some careful rubbing.

I doubt the weight of a record would damage the bearings.

Get a video of it playing and tracking a groove happily.
Lift being used to needle drop etc.

Could also get a video of it with it with no mass / balancing and no anti state on and it moving freely about to gentle pushes - that would be good.
Then the same 0 balance but with the anti skate applied - it should gently move back restwards under its own steam.

If they are not prepared to do that, Iā€™d move on.

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