Just another opinion (from personal experience and knowing someone who handled refurbs for Panasonic/Technics)...
1. Refurb stuff is usually fixed/repackaged due to failure of some sort, (intermittent failures included). Not so, most worked just fine but were returned by customers. They could not be sold as new because the boxes had been opened and they had been used.
2. Repairs are not always up to par when you purchase a refurb piece of equipment. Not so, while most were working OK to begin with, all repairs are thoroughly tested. In fact, since most new models are only spot checked, the testing of refurbs (where every unit is tested) in usually better.
3. Warranties are nearly zilch on refurb equipment. Not so. I have never seen a refurb without a warranty. In most cases, the warranty is as good or better than that for a new product.
4. Missing pieces, scratches, marks are typically of refurb equipment. I've never had this happen. In fact many companies (vacuums, microwaves, etc) include extra accessories with their refurbs
I've had significantly better luck over the years with refurbs then with new products. I've purchased cameras, vacuums, microwaves, steam cleaners, VCRs, etc. and never had a problem. Make sure you buy from a reputable dealer (ubid.com does quite well with refurbs).