Is an older Nikon 8700 digital camera better than a newer cheaper $100.00 digital camera?

I was wondering if repairing a Nikon 8700 for like $100.00 dollars will give me better pictures than my current low end Nikon s3000.

Maybe. The 8700 has pretty bad high ISO performance, is rather slow in operation, but is still capable of taking decent images if you work within it's limitations.

For indoor or low light work, the s3000 is probably superior. For work in daylight, the 8700 does have that nice long lens… I'd do it.