How do you choose a turntable ?

I wait until someone posts an incredible deal on an awesome TT in FB or CL, check to see if I have money in my slush fund, then buy it.   If I don't like it, I put it back up for sale.  This has worked well for me way too many times.  

ghdprentice, you approach it as a scientist or/and an engineer. And I am  prehistorically low tech, I don't even know how to use microwave oven and I sharpen kitchen knives by hand on stones.

If you buy used and are prepared to buy/sell multiple times, why not ? Shipping turntables is no fun, can be risky. I bought mine used on Audiogon years ago.

Buying a turntable is tough these days.  I did demo a few Rega locally,  having owned a few in the past th3 P3 was on my radar.  Any other tables on display locally were way beyond my means.  

I took a chance and bought a Sota Escape in '21 sight unseen.  Great table for not a lot of money.   I bought it as an open box , it had an Origin Live Silver tonearm . 

Originally I almost bought a Technics 1500 but reports of cue lever issues , platter wobble and Malaysian build was a turn off. 

I wanted to move up the Sota line so I just received a Sota Quasar.   The nice thing about Sota is the ability to trade your existing Sota in for a new one.   

I kept the arm and mounted on the Quasar.    It is a great combo. I really like this table, I ordered it with the optional RoadRunner tach which keeps the speed 33.333 or 45.000.   

Another reason I got another  Sota is that they build pretty much the entire table in house.   With a full machine and woodshop they do it all.   It's good stuff.   

The last TT I purchased involved getting up @ 2:30 AM and searching eBay for "Buy it Now" TT auctions.

I ended up "Buying it Now" a Thorens TD125MkII/SME 3009 Non-Improved combo for $199.00 plus $25/shipping.

Previously owned numerous TD160's plus a TD124 and TD121 (all with SME arms - so not a newbie).

That's how I did it - and I'd do it again if felt the need.

DeKay

@inna I’m hesitant to buy used tables. If you do decide to get a used one, make sure you ask the seller if the table and all accessories are in original packaging and packed according to the manual. Ask for pictures. 
As to how you choose a turntable…choose based on your budget and pick the best option according to information you distilled from reviews and forums.