2013 MBP 15" or 2015 15" or 2017 13" - Buying used need advice

[Alex W.]

I can get a 2017 13" bought in 2017 for 900CAD -
I can get a 2017 13" bought in 2018 for 950 CAD
A 2013 MBP 15" for 600 (maybe 550)
A 2015 MBP 15" For 1000CAD

What is the best deal, im struggling with this, while the bigger screen size is nice battery life anda portability arnt bad.
Mainly web design, graphic design (minor) and marketing.

Whats the smartest choice to make.
I have a highend desktop anyway for gaming and hardcore work.
Base model 2017s, 128 - Not a big deal as a have a 500gb M.2 USB-C External
2015 has 160 battery cycles, the 2013 has 300 but gets about 5hrs battery/

 

[Falhófnir]

Of those the 2015 15" would be my pick. Has the pre butterfly keyboard, quad core CPU, SD card slot (useful for graphics work?) which makes it better than the 2017 13" and the Force Touch trackpad, better battery and longer MacOS support over the 2013 (it's possible the 2013 won't get macOS 10.16, they dropped both the 2010 and 2011 pros with Mojave, so they might drop the 2012s and 2013s from this September). 1000 CAD is about 700 USD, which is a little on the high side, but probably still a better pick than the other machines. I'm guessing it's the basic 256GB Iris Pro model, not the upgraded 512GB Radeon graphics model?

 

[Alex W.]

Of those the 2015 15" would be my pick. Has the pre butterfly keyboard, quad core CPU, SD card slot (useful for graphics work?) which makes it better than the 2017 13" and the Force Touch trackpad, better battery and longer MacOS support over the 2013 (it's possible the 2013 won't get macOS 10.16, they dropped both the 2010 and 2011 pros with Mojave, so they might drop the 2012s and 2013s from this September). 1000 CAD is about 700 USD, which is a little on the high side, but probably still a better pick than the other machines. I'm guessing it's the basic 256GB Iris Pro model, not the upgraded 512GB Radeon graphics model?

I was leaning towards the 2017 for resale, and keyboard coverage basically. I let a 2015 slip out of my hands for 750CAD before, and yes its the basic but ill upgrade it. Are the keyboard issues that major?

 

[Falhófnir]

It really is difficult to recommend anything other than maybe the 2019 butterfly models. the 2016-17 models have significant problems with the keyboard, display flex cable, battery (non Touch Bar models). The keyboard replacement programme will end this year for 2016s and next for 2017s, after which if you are unlucky enough to experience a failure, you might have to pay for a top case replacement (which is like $700 USD) - unless Apple extends the programme, but who knows on that. It's a bit of a crapshoot buying one at this point, IMO.

Maybe also look at whether the new 2020 Air would fit your requirements? Once they start appearing in Apple's refurbished store, they should be about $850ish US but that's pretty much as good as buying a brand new computer. It's also more powerful than the 2017 13" Pro, even the i3 version and comes with 256GB storage.

 

[Alex W.]

good point, thanks.

Seeing how the 2017 has issues if i did get the one that was bought in july 2018 it would give me basically two years of coverage wouldnt it?

Good point about the 2020MBA

 

[Falhófnir]

I think that's how it works, yes. Apple's page on the repair programme says from the first retail sale of the unit, so yes it would be July '18 to July '22. Ultimately your choice, from a glass half full perspective you may get lucky and never even experience any of the issues Myself I probably wouldn't recommend it even with 2 years coverage left, though. As I alluded above, there's also the display flex issue which is quite prevalent, and a battery problem (though I think that's covered under a full battery recall program anyway). I'd suggest at least investigating the Air first, see if it fits the bill for your usage.

 

[Alex W.]

What is this display flex issue?

 

[Falhófnir]

Article:

'Flexgate' Display Issues Affecting 2016 MacBook Pro and Later

Some 2016 and later MacBook Pro models appear to be displaying issues with uneven backlighting caused by a delicate and easy-to-break flex cable,...

www.macrumors.com

Discussion thread:

Macbook Pro Flexgate discussion [Merged]

My 2016 macbook pro with Touch Bar that i owned since it was release, started a its "flexgate" issue a week ago. Flexgate appears to be an issue caused by very fragile lcd flex cables. The LCD itself is fine, i never dented it or forced on the screen while opening it or anything... Problem is...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[Fishrrman]

Get the 2015.
The clear winner.
DON'T buy a 2017 or 2018 -- keyboard failures all over the place.