Went into the local one recently, saw an LTD 5 string bass, had heard good things (wasn't willing to pay the price they were asking). Looked at the neck just up by the nut and saw a massive crack all up the neck to the fretboard. Told the guy about it and he couldn't have looked more shocked, guess it was him that bought it!
I imagine it would have been fixable but it would have probably cost more than the bass was worth.