Considering buying a MacBook Pro off Craigslist, what are some tips to avoid scams?

[andyACEcandy]

I'm considering buying a 2011 MacBook Pro 13" off Craigslist listed at $800

I'm wondering what points/suggestions/tips I can do to avoid getting scammed. Anything I can look at in the settings of the MacBook etc...? Things I should avoid?

Model number a1278
upgraded to 500gb harddrive
upgraded to 8gb ram
i5 processor
Lion OSX 10.7.4

[treatment]

"Things to avoid"= buying a secondhand computer.

First of all, the AppleCare warranty is a must.
If you believe in built-in-obsolescence, it will certainly apply to an older machine.

Craig's list:
Trust your instinct. Talk to the person on the phone, NOT social media.
Intuition is a powerful thing, and you gotta trust it.

I bought a MacMini from Craig's list. THOUGHT it was an awesome deal, until I found out it wouldn't take an install disc due to bad RAM.
New RAM cost me $200, and in retrospect, I could have bought a brand new MINI for another $50.

You're talking about a laptop: how do you know about things like dead pixels on the screen? What is the condition of the battery?
My MBPro has had 3 motherboards in 6 years, and needs a new screen now.
If it's older than a year, the money you spend SEEMS like a good deal, until a year down the road, when you find out how much you have to spend to get it fixed.
I know the temptation is great...I found a newer machine to my own in a storefront, and I've been kept awake at night, thinking about how cheap it is, and how nice it would be to have a faster machine. UNfortunately the AppleCare runs out in December....unless my machine dies tomorrow, I jjust have to resist the temptation.

[Spink10]

Its out of warranty - dont touch it.

https://selfsolve.apple.com/wcResults.do

[andyACEcandy]

Gotcha gotcha

Thanks guys, I think I'll take your advice and start looking for ones with Applecare.

Is there enough of a difference in 2009, 2010 and 2011 versions to justify a $100-$200 price increase? Trying to stay under $900 if possible...

[Spink10]

You can get a 2011 with AppleCare for below 900

for example - I haven't asked this guy if it has AppleCare - but you get the idea.

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/sys/3412695831.html

[Idefix]

Apple currently has a refurbished 13" MBP for $929.

That'll come with a one year applecare AND a new battery (anything you get used won't have a good battery...) Apple batteries cost $129 or so???

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...macbook_pro/13

[andyACEcandy]

Thanks!

Really prefer to stay under $900... found this one from a legitimate seller online (lots of positive reviews of the retailer)

Thoughts?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/syd/3343655706.html

Bam Liquidation

http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAP...ab=AllFeedback