Help - What to look for when buying used

[gvegastiger]

I'm going to look at a user MacBook Pro tomorrow morning. Its being sold on Craigslist for a really great price. Almost too good if you know what I mean.

What should I be on the lookout for?

My plan is to verify the model number and serial number once I get there. What else would you check to make sure it's in good condition?

 

[phillytim]

Watch out for people trying to price-gouge you for their Apples; if something used is within a few hundred dollars new, buy new! Don't pay $700 for an over-valued 2008 MacBook, for example; you can get a brand new 2011 MBPro for a grand or so.

 

[gvegastiger]

This is supposed to be a 2010 MBP 13.3 for $595.

 

[Hillskill]

Ask about battery charge cycles. Ideally a nice low number will be reported but that could be a case of the unit has been left plugged in to a mag safe all the time, which isn't ideal. If you get a chance to look at the battery stats that would be good.