I always buy refurbished (used) tablets from Wacom. They last for years (my oldest is going on 10+ years) and I've never had any problems even though they're pre-used. I haven't even had to replace a nib yet. (Of course I don't use them as often as I would like, and having three different computers I work on probably helps spread the workload...)

Updated drivers are easily downloaded off the internet and quick to install. I have no complaints whatsoever with Wacom and their products. :3 Try not to get too tiny of a tablet. They're cheaper, but it's a little more work to get in smooth, long, sweeping lines and you have to zoom in pretty far in your graphics program to do fine details.

Happy shopping!