Buying a second-hand Mac

bloodyroarxx

Im buying a Macbook pro off craigslist for my girlfriend and while i know how to use one I don't know what kind of things to look for to make sure it's not a lemon.

Its a mega steal at 570$ for This model The gentleman said its cause he has to pay a loan but I'm still very wary of it.

Iceman.USAF

I hate to break it to you like this, but if someone is selling a $2400 laptop to you for $570, you're *likely* getting scammed.

Are you going to be able to see/use this machine before you purchase it? I'd strongly advise against getting this.

"If it seems too good to be true..."

Also, there must be some kind of serial number or something right? If so I'd get that, and call up an Apple store and see what kind of 'background' they can find.

Esh

Yeah, Macs are insanely easy to sell for a good price. There's no way there's anything legit about that computer for that price.

Wulf

I would second that serial number check. Apple can do that in any of their stores, and it comes up instantly. Almost like getting a Carfax on a used car :P

precisionk

To add to the thread, how do you know how much to pay for for say a used Macbook or Macbook pro? I am in the market for a second-hand Mac myself and afraid of paying too much for a little older equipment.

m4v1s

You can pull up some info, at least the model, yourself if you can get the serial number.

https://selfsolve.apple.com/GetWarranty.do;jsessionid=079ABF6443A114AAF7A1946D2B8BC544

I would be careful with this, get your hands on the machine before making a final decision. Try to see the original sales receipt if you can. Bring a friend or two if you decide to meet the seller.

NibCrom

Just as a point of reference, I recently bought a $1700 Mac Book Pro for $1500. It was barely used and came with a bunch of software. Now that might sound like a ripoff, but I sincerely doubt anyone is going to take an $1800 hit for a barely used Apple laptop.

bloodyroarxx

Thanks for the help and yes it is a scam as the ad was listen in the next town over and he sent me this reply

Hi Matt, Thank you for your reply!


I guess you could be the owner of it if everything turns out all right and you are serious about buying. You will not be disappointed with your purchase!


First, I must inform you that right now I`m out of town, I'm in London. I had all my family moved here and I will come back in June. The unit was bought in Canada and I need to sell it there, the warranty works there and the plugs are different.
Anyway, there shouldn't be any problem...


I have found a way for us to complete the deal safely and fast, if you move fast as well. I think this is the best and safest way for the two of us. You will be able to check it before I receive the payment. This is a 100% safe method!


There's a return policy so you will have the chance to test and inspect it (5 days) before final decision. With this procedure I will only receive the payment for the unit after you will receive it and see that it's genuine.


You can have it in maximum 24-72 hours! If you are interested in it mail me back and I am sure that we will find a good way to conduct this deal.

admanb

Haha. That message triggers every single scam alert in the book. Good find, sir.

Good luck in your search.

m4v1s

You wont get as good a deal but Apple has a refurb store...
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac