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Best place to buy a used imac?
- Thread starter jmlp007
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It depends.
How do you define best?
Are you looking for cheapest possible iMac?
One with a full warranty?
Are you okay with it having cosmetic imperfections?
Or do you want it to look new?
Is damage to it fine?
Do you need the original box and packaging with it?
Does it need to be a reputable place or is meeting up somewhere with cash okay?
There are many other questions that can be asked, and even with responses, the answer would be still it depends.
It was me looking for my next main Mac, I would choose Apple's certified Refurbished iMacs. In many ways, they are better than getting something new.
They are usually 15%+ cheaper than new.
Tested extensively for defects, a lot more than new.
Have packaging made for the device.
Full warranty.
Qualifies for Apple Care+.
Looks brand new and no imperfections on the case or display.
Unlike other third-parties, Apple clearly defines what Refurbished means. In reality, a third-party seller could wipe an iMac down with a damp cloth and call it Refurbished.
Two big downside to Apple's Refurbished is that the discount is not that much compared to used Macs, and if you were looking for particular BTO options, you might have to wait a very long time for them to appear on the Refurbished page.
So, I would prefer using Apple's Refurbished devices, but I would still look elsewhere. I just wouldn't pay as much for an iMac on eBay or Craigslist.
There are trade offs, and you have to weigh what is mostly important to you and what you can give up.
