From personal experience I would avoid the Aiwa domestic DAT machine (dumped
by Richer Sounds some years ago).
Tascams are robust, have an excellent UK service agent, and are generally
built like brick sh*t-houses.
Available from Canford, Raper & Wayman & etc at decent prices.
Bear in mind they are complex mechanical devices, like a VHS, & I would
avoid buying secondhand.
Jolly useful kit though.
JB