Is a JVC HR-S4800 VCR worth buying?
 

Found a hr-4800u for 10$ at at local thrift store. Is it worth buying. Price is dirt cheap but not sure if the model is good for transferring

It lacks the TBC, which is why S-VHS VCRs are well regarded. It has basic picture mode filters, and a flying erase head (FEH). The FEH is what separates the 3800 from the 4800, and I owned several 3800's for recording in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Is it worth $10? Sure, if it has no issues (misalignment, bad heads).

Is it useful for transfer? Ehh, depends on the workflow. If you have a subsequent devices in the chain, to sync timing and remove chroma (Panasonic ES10), then maybe.

I have several 59xx and 38xx, so I'd not get it.

I purposely misalign one of my 3800, for really rotten tapes. These decks are simple to align or misalign, unlike most others.