Will a metal detector get worn down?

[bowwinkles]

Newbie questions incoming!

I want to ask a question I haven't been able to find the answer to. Do metal detectors get worn down? By that I mean if they become worse over the years in finding signals or the ability to differentiate.
I'm asking because I want to get back into the detector world. I used to have a simple detector as a kid about 20 years ago and now I'm thinking about buying a used Garrett AT Pro to get started.

Will a 4 yo AT Pro be a bad investment or do they just keep running?

Frank:
If you look above and look at what tnsharpshooter wrote, these are all very good valid points. The one thing that was not mentioned was the bottom of the coil surface can have significant wear, depending on the user. I have seen some users who seem to drag the coil on the soil surface most of the time and this can produce some issues and exposed wires. A short trial period would be a very nice method of buying a used detector. Good luck.

 

[Charly-in-CT-RI]

Screens can get scratched; cables can get dry rot; batteries can leak if the detector is left for a long time; coil covers can wear out; the rubber gaskets that are on the coil can wear down or dry rot. And one time on my Sovereign GT, the VDI meter got moisture in it on a day when it was foggy and drizzle. So basically, parts can fail if not maintained properly. The electronics of the unit itself never failed for me so far.