Anything to know before buying first generation iPhone off eBay?

[PowerFullMac]

Aside from the usual eBay stuff like seller feedback etc., is there anything else I should know?

I plan to use the iPhone on a O2 Pay & Go SIM with the £7.50 web add-on.

Thanks in advance.

 

[benflick]

Watch out for scams.

 

[rotobadger]

Aside from the usual eBay stuff like seller feedback etc., is there anything else I should know?

I plan to use the iPhone on a O2 Pay & Go SIM with the £7.50 web add-on.

Thanks in advance.

If not posted in the ad:

What firmware is it currently on?
Is it Jailbroken/unlocked or completely "stock"?
Any scratches or breaks?
Any battery issues?
Negative black screen issues?
Does it come with charger, dock, etc.?
How long has owner had it? Did they buy it new (relates to battery life)?

 

[PowerFullMac]

Thanks so far.

Also, if I get a good iPhone that hasent been dropped much or anything, will it last long? I obviously wont have a warranty so I need to make sure it wont break after a few months.

 

[rotobadger]

Thanks so far.

Also, if I get a good iPhone that hasent been dropped much or anything, will it last long? I obviously wont have a warranty so I need to make sure it wont break after a few months.

It's always a crap shoot when buying off Ebay. The seller may have a legitimate reason for selling like they upgraded to a 3G, they want a different phone or they just need the money OR they may be selling because the battery sucks, they're having hardware issues or there is some other problem. The trick is to ask lots of questions if you're unsure and pay attention to not only WHAT the seller says but HOW they say it.

Otherwise, if it is a good solid phone it should last you quite awhile. Remember though...no battery lasts forever and will need to be replaced at some point.

 

[PowerFullMac]

It's always a crap shoot when buying off Ebay. The seller may have a legitimate reason for selling like they upgraded to a 3G, they want a different phone or they just need the money OR they may be selling because the battery sucks, they're having hardware issues or there is some other problem. The trick is to ask lots of questions if you're unsure and pay attention to not only WHAT the seller says but HOW they say it.

Otherwise, if it is a good solid phone it should last you quite awhile. Remember though...no battery lasts forever and will need to be replaced at some point.

Yeah, a lot of the sellers say they upgraded to the 3G, and a lot of sellers also have a lot of positive feedback, too.

I assume you have experience with eBay, so does this look legit to you? (I'm not buying that one but it looks good to me and I wanna get an opinion of someone who knows about this stuff).

 

[rotobadger]

Yeah, a lot of the sellers say they upgraded to the 3G, and a lot of sellers also have a lot of positive feedback, too.

I assume you have experience with eBay, so does this look legit to you? (I'm not buying that one but it looks good to me and I wanna get an opinion of someone who knows about this stuff).

I've been buying and selling on Ebay for several years. The link you posted actually looks pretty legit and honest. Just my opinion though...

 

[PowerFullMac]

I've been buying and selling on Ebay for several years. The link you posted actually looks pretty legit and honest. Just my opinion though...

OK, thanks!

I am opening an account tomorrow and putting my old iBook G3 up as well as some things my mum and my family want to sell, I might buy a iPhone then.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[PowerFullMac]

Oh, one more thing!

Is the method of using a standard O2 Pay & Go sim with the web add-on tried and tested?