Hi Lance,
We haven't found any VCR/DVD combis particularly appealing - usually because they're an inherent (and often pricey) compromise, with dedicated DVD players and even DVD recorders offering better disc playback.
However, of the ones we've tested, the Panasonic and Toshiba models have been the best.
Maybe you should look around for a second-hand machine? You could use it to transfer your tapes and then sell it on....