So, I managed to buy three PSX consoles that don't work. I'm rather frustrated, because two of them were assured by their owners to work. And yes, I've tried lubricating the gears. I even managed to break a ribbon cable on one of them.

I used to see replacement ones online quite a bit. But replacement parts aren't always that great (i.e. some N64 replacement sticks cause input lag, others have too much mechanical play to them). Anyone with experience know which ones are worthwhile?