2013 15" 2.0GHz rMPB for $1600? Sounds too good to be true

Shift Option K · Feb 15, 2014

So I was looking for some brand-new 15" Retinas for a cheaper price than new, and I came across a brand new 2013 2.0GHz/8GB RAM/Iris Graphics/256GB, pretty much the base model, but it had an Applecare Extension and the price was what caught my eye, $1600. From Apple, these would be $1999 and over 2k with an Applecare extension, so this just sounds too good to be true. Should I risk trying to buy it or should I go waste a little bit more and buy a new one? I want to save some money but I don't want a non-retina nor do I want an Air.

UPDATE: There's a 50% chance of this being stolen so I'm not going for it anymore.

simon48 · Feb 15, 2014

Where is it being sold?

Altemose · Feb 15, 2014

Shift Option K said:
So I was looking for some brand-new 15" Retinas for a cheaper price than new, and I came across a brand new 2013 2.0GHz/8GB RAM/Iris Graphics/256GB, pretty much the base model, but it had an Applecare Extension and the price was what caught my eye, $1600. From Apple, these would be $1999 and over 2k with an Applecare extension, so this just sounds too good to be true. Should I risk trying to buy it or should I go waste a little bit more and buy a new one? I want to save some money but I don't want a non-retina nor do I want an Air.

If it is on Apple's site as a refurb then you know it is great. If not I would be a little bit weary.

Shift Option K · Feb 15, 2014

It's listed as brand new and it's on Craigslist. I, therefore, have a feeling it can be a rip off, a scam, or a stolen macbook, or is it completely legit?

simon48 · Feb 15, 2014

Shift Option K said:
It's listed as brand new and it's on Craigslist. I, therefore, have a feeling it can be a rip off, a scam, or a stolen macbook, or is it completely legit?

Obviously, we can't tell you if it's a scam or not for sure. Go check it out, check the specs, if it runs and what condition it's in.

It's not asking you to have it shipped or anything is it? Do you have a link to the post on Craigslist?

Macman45 · Feb 15, 2014

If the seller is genuine, then he or she should have no problems allowing you to check the serial number if the Mac on Apples product support page...if it comes up clean and registered to its current owner, then it might be worth a shot. If it's not showing up or has never been registered, I think I'd walk away.

thekev · Feb 15, 2014

Shift Option K said:
It's listed as brand new and it's on Craigslist. I, therefore, have a feeling it can be a rip off, a scam, or a stolen macbook, or is it completely legit?

Apple's refurbs also aren't that bad. It's about $200 more when you figure $100 higher + CA sales tax. If you're concerned about piece of mind, that seems like a more prudent option.

simon48 · Feb 15, 2014

Macman45 said:
If the seller is genuine, then he or she should have no problems allowing you to check the serial number if the Mac on Apples product support page...if it comes up clean and registered to its current owner, then it might be worth a shot. If it's not showing up or has never been registered, I think I'd walk away.

A lot of people don't register their products, so if it's not registered I wouldn't have a problem with it.

Redskinsfan10 · Feb 16, 2014

Shift Option K said:
It's listed as brand new and it's on Craigslist. I, therefore, have a feeling it can be a rip off, a scam, or a stolen macbook, or is it completely legit?

Bought a 2012 sealed i7 2.6 rMBP 15" with extended warranty for 1700 last year. Everything went smooth. Just make sure to meet inside Starbucks or something and also ask for serial number

RMXO · Feb 16, 2014

Shift Option K said:
So I was looking for some brand-new 15" Retinas for a cheaper price than new, and I came across a brand new 2013 2.0GHz/8GB RAM/Iris Graphics/256GB, pretty much the base model, but it had an Applecare Extension and the price was what caught my eye, $1600. From Apple, these would be $1999 and over 2k with an Applecare extension, so this just sounds too good to be true. Should I risk trying to buy it or should I go waste a little bit more and buy a new one? I want to save some money but I don't want a non-retina nor do I want an Air.

UPDATE: There's a 50% chance of this being stolen so I'm not going for it anymore.

I see these all the time on CL in my area. Ask to meet up at a Starbucks to find out.

kathyricks · Feb 16, 2014

Likewise I'm extremely tempted by ads like this one for $1800 OBO for the same model: http://sacramento.craigslist.org/sys/4328224252.html

But the seller leaves no phone number and can't find the sales receipt and says the unit does not come with Applecare. How is it possible that a new sealed unit is not eligible for Applecare even if it was stolen?

simon48 · Feb 16, 2014

kathyricks said:
Likewise I'm extremely tempted by ads like this one for $1800 OBO for the same model: http://sacramento.craigslist.org/sys/4328224252.html

But the seller leaves no phone number and can't find the sales receipt and says the unit does not come with Applecare. How is it possible that a new sealed unit is not eligible for Applecare even if it was stolen?

That looks perfectly fine. I'm pretty sure it is eligible for AppleCare, the poster doesn't say it isn't. Who cares if they didn't include their phone number? A lot of people don't like to put their phone number up for privacy reasons, just use Craigslist's built in emailing system like everyone else.

lordboogie · Feb 17, 2014

Could be legit. I was lucky enough to purchase a first-gen rMBP 15 base model out of Best Buy on clearance for about $1600. Clearance... not open box. Also lucky enough to get the Samsung screen and SSD.

alphaod · Feb 17, 2014

kathyricks said:
Likewise I'm extremely tempted by ads like this one for $1800 OBO for the same model: http://sacramento.craigslist.org/sys/4328224252.html

But the seller leaves no phone number and can't find the sales receipt and says the unit does not come with Applecare. How is it possible that a new sealed unit is not eligible for Applecare even if it was stolen?

My guess is it was a gift and the seller probably wants the cash.

RMXO · Feb 17, 2014

One thing about Apple Care is that sellers either miss uses the term or uses it on purpose to the unknowing . They will say Apple Care even though it really means the 1 year warranty that comes with the laptop.

You have to be careful and ask the seller. Best way to is do a warranty search on the serial number. If the seller is unwilling to give you the number than it isn't worth it.

CL is only safe as you make it. Just do your homework and meet at a public area like Starbucks.

Anitramane · Feb 17, 2014

How can you have that much more than design?

RMXO · Feb 17, 2014

kathyricks said:
Likewise I'm extremely tempted by ads like this one for $1800 OBO for the same model: http://sacramento.craigslist.org/sys/4328224252.html

But the seller leaves no phone number and can't find the sales receipt and says the unit does not come with Applecare. How is it possible that a new sealed unit is not eligible for Applecare even if it was stolen?

i would offer $1600 while looking at other models on CL. Not sure if you live near Sac or not but there should be other good steals on CL within SF Bay Area.

Helical-dNTP · Feb 17, 2014

Shift Option K said:
So I was looking for some brand-new 15" Retinas for a cheaper price than new, and I came across a brand new 2013 2.0GHz/8GB RAM/Iris Graphics/256GB, pretty much the base model, but it had an Applecare Extension and the price was what caught my eye, $1600. From Apple, these would be $1999 and over 2k with an Applecare extension, so this just sounds too good to be true. Should I risk trying to buy it or should I go waste a little bit more and buy a new one? I want to save some money but I don't want a non-retina nor do I want an Air.

UPDATE: There's a 50% chance of this being stolen so I'm not going for it anymore.

Thought I would add that the apple refurb store has the base 15" for $1699. I know it's not brand new and doesn't have the applecare thrown in but it's still a good deal and definitely worth a look. You don't have to worry about shady CL sellers and apple is known for their quality refurbs.

Astroboy907 · Feb 17, 2014

If the seller has images in the listing, use a google image search for them. If nothing comes up, it might not be a scam, but if the images have been posted somewhere else, it's highly likely the seller stole those images and it is a scam.

kathyricks · Feb 17, 2014

Astroboy907 said:
If the seller has images in the listing, use a google image search for them. If nothing comes up, it might not be a scam, but if the images have been posted somewhere else, it's highly likely the seller stole those images and it is a scam.

The sellers with the good deals typically post fuzzy images like these http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/sys/4326266265.html

kathyricks · Feb 21, 2014

RMXO said:
there should be other good steals on CL within SF Bay Area.

Some positively wierd and scary ads on craigslist in the SF Bay Area too.

2013 15" 2.0GHz rMPB for $1600? Sounds too good to be true

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