Do you buy used carts/needles? Is it risky?

@lewm 

good advice, I had read that, but like what I had for breakfast I forgot.

I only bought 1 used MC, Sumiko Talisman S with Sapphire Tube/Van Den Hul. it came with a test report seller got in order to sell it. It was the 1st used cartridge I bought, it gave me confidence to try others, all MM. .

I guess the ones that showed coil info were MM.

Good thread. It increases my confidence in purchasing used cartridges but with the usual caveat emptor and due diligence 

Would you buy a mint condition Dynavector XV-1s (original retail $5,600) which is a true reference MC cartridge for $1,700? How about $1,500 (after a bit of begging?) I did and it's a joy in every respect. Otherwise, this would have been unaffordable. 

Just got another used Soundsmith cart - Voice ES.

Well packaged, mounted & sounds excellent.