Found a good deal on Craigslist

[soundsystem00]

Hey guys! I found a 2017 Macbook Pro 15 inch for $1400 on craigslist. For 512GB HD THAT IS GOOD!

I currently have a 13 inch 2016 Macbook Pro 256GB.. When I had video editing class, my laptop really struggled to keep up. Even when I got an external monitor, the computer itself still could not handle editing video. Not even from iPhone.

So I am trading my laptop + 500 for this computer!! Well I am considering it, anyway. So I was just wondering if you guys had any experience with this. I am going to check it out tomorrow, and I was just wondering if there is anything in particular that I should look for on the body or while testing it?

Oh, there are 200 cycles on the battery. Mine only has 90.

Thanks.

 

[velocityg4]

Check that iCloud is turned off.
Boot into recovery mode and verify there is no firmware password.
Verify Filevault is turned off or that you have the Administrator password.
Ask if you can install and run Coconut battery to check the current capacity. Show it to them on your computer if they are reluctant. So, they can see it is benign.
Check SMART status in disk utility and run first aid on the drive
View full screen pure green, red, blue, black and white images. Look for dead pixels, uneven lighting or tint issues.
Check if you can run Blackmagic Disk Speed Test
Verify specs in About This Mac < System Report

Physically look for dents, warping, chips, bulging and test hinges. Test all keyboard keys work (given that keyboards track record). Test the trackpad works. Verify the camera, microphone, speakers, ports, bluetooth, wifi and charging works.

Bring a checklist and work off it so you don't forget to test something. Have a thumb drive with any testing software and sample images. Don't worry about inconveniencing them with your testing. It's your money. Take all the time you want. If they don't like it. There'll be another deal.

Be sure your computer is wiped before selling. Turn on Filevault. Let it encrypt the entire drive. Then boot into recovery mode, format the drive and reinstall OS X. I would then turn filevault back on and enable the firmware password. That way if they are thieves. At least all they'll have is a useless brick. If legitimate give the the passwords and ask them if you want to disable them. Also check your Apple account to remove it as an authorized device.

 

[AppleTrap]

The 2017, apart from known keyboard failures, is also susceptible to "Flexgate". Think twice before you take that leap!

 

[chscag]

Great advice from @velocityg4 if you're dead set on making that deal. However, I would avoid buying or trading anything on Craig's list.