I bought an FDS last year, had no issues with it. As far as I know, the only common issue with regards to them breaking down is the belt in the disk reader snapping, which is a very easy fix, just get a new one for $6 on eBay and replace it . Not had any issues with bad disks either, since I write-modded mine, if I have a disk that's giving me issues I just rewrite it and as long as the disk isn't in bad physical condition, it'll fix it.