What should I look out for when buying a used computer?

My current one is ten years old. Works like it was new. Never had one problem with it. As long as it wasn’t abused, you should have no worries with a used Mac.

Capgun

 

I would start by looking in one of the many used computer stores in our area.

Some of these stores have been here quite awhile, and will be there if I have an issue.

Other than that I prefer factory refurbs.

 

I almost said "k***** p***"

 

I wouldn't buy one from Craigslist.

There are many sellers who sell refurbished ones. I've bought many and have never been disappointed.

 

Boogers

 

I bought this one of Ebay for about $100. Certified, inspected and cleaned and set up. From a company that sells them all the time. Returnable etc. It was a higher end business laptop with good features and good speed.

What to look out for is what software it has that you need and that it's not just limited use software for items like spreadsheets etc.

If you are really going to buy off CL have a phone conversation and get a feel for the seller. Ask things like "what did you move on to?" etc.

 

I've bought my last couple of computers used online. They're like 4 year old models, my latest is a refurbished by Dell. They come with warranties and stuff.

The thing that scares me about buying something off CL would be the chance that they installed some kind of spy software that they can access after you've got it set up. Not sure if that's much of a concern with a Mac, but it is with Windows.

 

Check it for beans.

 

why is it being sold ?

 

I have an old MacBook Pro. It looks fine (I had the keyboard replaced) but it only has 4 GB of RAM. I think it's unlikely that you could put the latest macOS on it. I installed Ubuntu Studio on it and the fans don't work. There's a driver called mbpFan but I couldn't get the fans to work even with that. Not that you would do this! But at this point I can't easily go back to see if the fans really work.

 

I agree with the strategy of buying a refurbished, business class, PC. The last 3 computers I bought (Dell's) were refurbs.

Buying used on CL or Facebook marketplace, you're likely to buy something that doesn't work right, is virus infected or nasty dirty. You definitely don't want a PC that was owned by a smoker!

 

Like others have mentioned here, my last three computer purchases (one of them for my mother) and a couple of monitors, was certified refurbished on E-bay. There are several vendors there, but the one I used is called Discount Computer Depot. Fast delivery (they're located in Jacksonville, TX) and I have been very happy. Don't know if they sell Macs, but you could check. They have a fair warranty and return policy.

 

Avoid Macbook Pros 2016-early 2019 (unless keyboard replaced).

Minimum 8Gb RAM (or add the price of new RAM into cost.)

Replace HD with new SSD.

A source for refurbished besides Apple: Other World Computing (macsales.com). Not affiliated but used them since the 90s for parts, peripherals, computers, etc.

 

Make sure the Floppy Disc player has been cleaned.

 

Scan it with a blacklight.

 

That right there ... you're responsible for any thing on it once you buy it. And others have said: viruses, malware and Root-kits that are hard to see and very hard to get rid of.

But, there's something else ... cockroaches or bedbugs. I've really seen both in electronic gear. Had a friend who worked for the phone co. back when they rented phones ... they got returns that had to be bagged and trashed immediately. Can't see from exterior, but they get into tiny places.

 

and check the search history and cache

 

I wouldn't

 

You spelled Mac wrong.

Capgun