I own three refurb units and never have had a problem with any of them. I think I would rather have a refurb because it seems I have never had the problems that others have had with there "new units".
That goes in line with something I heard a few years ago from a friend who worked in a warranty-claim electronics repair depot.
He said that the refurbs were actually much more thoroughly checked-out and tested than the brand new units are, because the company did not want to lose any more money on the same unit being shipped back for warranty repair work again. He said that given the choice, he would always purchase refurb electronics because of this.
Personally I have never purchased a refurb of anything, but have kept it in mind as an option in recent years as RS sells them direct to the consumer. But usually I just can't wait and need to have the latest toys as soon as they are released, no time to wait for refurb sales to pop up!!!