Buying a crossbow is like buying oats. If you want good first caliber, high quailty oats you buy those that come from a reputable manufacturer. If want cheap you can buy those that have been thru the horse and are close to a P.O.S.
It's thesame with crossbows You can buy good quality, top rate crossbows or you can buy those that are close to a P.O.S,

Look at CB's from the Big Four: Ten Point, Excaliber, Bowtech, Parker.