The R8 was the newer model so the potential for getting one in a healthier state is possible but then, it all depends on the mileage and how well the previous owner looked after it and used it.
I owned an R8 for a short time, myself, and found it to be a solid little deck if not a bit soft in the top end response compared to my TASCAM gear that I run with now.
It did have a very modern transport and all the bells and whistles as far as external compatibility with midi and other synchronizer equipment. The Dolby C system did a reasonable job of keeping the hiss levels down but doesn't eliminate it the way dbx can so be mindful of your levels when you record so that the hiss doesn't become audible in the quieter passages of your tracks.
