That's over 2300 hours of use per year. Most VCRs don't see that much use in their lifetime, let alone a year. Videoheads clog, transport mechanisms wear out and other mechanical problem arise from use like this. A low end machine just won't last long, I know, I've tried them. If you find that you must use a lower end machine, it's still okay, just understand that you may find it breaking down sooner than anticipated if you put it through the ropes like I've described.
Most receivers have outputs and inputs as well to accommodate connections to and from VCRs.
I highly recommend a receiver with digital tuning over a quartz tuner with a knob. My experience is that radio signals drift and a digital tuner locked on the Stern station is more reliable. When it comes to videotape, I recommend Maxell's HGX-GOLD High Grade 6 hour VHS videotape. I've found that Maxell is the most reliable. You only get one shot to record something like Howard's radio show.