I was very fortunate to find one that played well. I bought Chicago 17 at this same store a few months back and parts of the tape were very much warped/didn't play well in stereo. I also wore out my copy of "Black Celebration" by Depeche Mode, which I bought used.
I love CDs because they never really wear out. I've got a few that I've had since 1990 that still play like they did 18 years ago. Scratches are the only thing that can get to a CD (I've only had that happen once).
Unfortunately, for those of us with 12 year old cars with tape players, there is no other choice. I had a cassette adaptor for my Discman but it wore out over time and I can't find a replacement. I also refuse to install a new stereo--I'm a firm believer in stock radios because they make the car look more natural. (There is nothing worse than a vintage vehicle with a big stereo system sticking out like a sore thumb no matter how good they sound). I may look around the web for a new adaptor someday, but only if my tape collection wears out before my car does (and considering my car is a Volvo, it will probably outlive every one of my cassettes).