If you're not concerned about having Hi-Fi stereo or A/V inputs, late 1980s to early 1990s Panasonic G-chassis VCRs are quite reliable:
Probably the most popular '80s VCR still found in thrift shops today as working. It uses only 1 belt that rarely fails, so it always take a tape in and loads it to the video head.
Also, they have a machined aluminum chassis which is plenty rigid enough to keep all the parts in proper alignment, unlike later VCRs which usually had a flimsy stamped sheet metal chassis.
A lot of companies put their name on them, such as Magnavox, Sylvania, Quasar, General Electric, and possibly others. Of course, Panasonic put their own name on some of them too. The one I have is a General Electric VG-7720 that I've had since it was new (1988). Mechanically it has never had a problem, but maybe 10 years ago I noticed wavy motion in the picture, which I suspected was caused by one or more bad electrolytic capacitors in the power supply. I replaced them all for good measure and that fixed it. Electrolytic capacitors tend to go bad over time; there's nothing that can be done about it other than to replace them. I've replaced them on old stuff even before they went bad, just as a matter of preventative maintenance.
And like is indicated by that post I quoted above, its one belt hasn't failed, and I doubt it ever will. Even though it's 36 years old, the rubber is still soft and pliable, indistinguishable from a new belt. Lots of belts that age have long since turned to a black sticky goo that makes a hell of a mess inside the machine, and to make matters worse they are often buried under parts that have to be disassembled just to get to them.
The various G-chassis makes and models aren't very expensive either, especially if you buy one that's simply working but not "refurbished." For example, there are some GE VG-7720s like mine on eBay right now for about $20 to $30 buy-it-now plus shipping.
I'd only buy one like that if you can replace capacitors though, because most of them probably need it by now. Also, learn how to properly clean the heads with plain white typing/printer paper soaked with e.g., isopropyl alcohol, if you don't already know how. I've had to do that a couple of times with mine over the years.
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