I don't believe TLC will cure damage to leaves, stems, etc. Am guessing you'd need to find pristine, perfect leaves, if you need it to look that perfect.

Miscommunication here. I don't need it to look pristine. I just don't want to buy something that dies x number of weeks from now. I know the damaged foliage won't recover, but what about the plant's future? I just want to know if the plant can thrive despite this.

Not knowing what the cause of the spots is, I couldn't possibly say.

Let's see what others think.

I'd never buy a plant with straggly, spotted, or torn leaves. Ever. Those leaves can never be brought back to an acceptable appearance. Yes, the new growth might be healthy, but frankly....something that has been treated so poorly at the garden center is not a good bargain.

I'm all for getting a healthy plant in the first place.

if at all possible,of course i would rather have the fine,pristine plant,but if you can't find one that is perfect and the only ones that you have seen just have slightly damaged foliage,why not get them?i think that if the roots are good and if the plant is overall intact...get it :) it can always grow new foliage later.

Thanks mattkoziol, that's the answer I needed (and had hoped for). The plant's not in terrible shape: as you say the foliage is only slightly damaged. Some light trimming will fix the problem. I suspect the plant was overwatered because the soil is extremely damp, though the plant is otherwise firm.