So I’ve found a 2015 15” MacBook Pro for a decent price (£650) and fairly good condition. The only kicker seems to be the battery cycle count which is 670. The battery condition says normal but how long will it be until I start to notice a decline in the battery’s health. Also is it possible to replace the battery in 2015 models?
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How high of a battery cycle count is too high when purchasing a used MBP?
- Thread starter Vaylin945
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I bought a 2014 15 inch with over 750 cycles. While the condition said normal, I decided that I would get a new battery from Apple and when they ran diagnostics in the store, replacing my battery was at the top of the list so I went on ahead and did it. It was $199 plus tax and it was worth it. You get a new battery plus a new top case/keyboard (battery is glued to top case so apple just changes out the whole thing).
Maybe you could talk the seller into dropping the price by $100-150 and get Apple to replace it for you
Maybe you could talk the seller into dropping the price by $100-150 and get Apple to replace it for you
I have already talked him down from £770 to £650 so I doubt I’ll be able to get a lower price from him. I don’t need the battery to perform as well as it did when it was purchased, as long it holds upwards of 80% and doesn’t drain fast, I’ll be happy.
Is it a base model (or what are the specs)?
Unless it's a maxed out (or close) model (2.5/2.8 & 1TB and dGPU), that's too much money for that kind of usage on the battery.
To echo @infernoguy above, I'd want an adjustment for needing to buy a new battery from Apple.
I'd also just consider looking for another one. That many cycles means a LOT of usage and in particular not plugged in and thus likely "out and about" and "on the move" and "traveling"... that can really beat up a machine and who knows how things are really doing on the inside of the machine..
Might be other problems on the horizon with that much usage.
Unless it's a maxed out (or close) model (2.5/2.8 & 1TB and dGPU), that's too much money for that kind of usage on the battery.
To echo @infernoguy above, I'd want an adjustment for needing to buy a new battery from Apple.
I'd also just consider looking for another one. That many cycles means a LOT of usage and in particular not plugged in and thus likely "out and about" and "on the move" and "traveling"... that can really beat up a machine and who knows how things are really doing on the inside of the machine..
Might be other problems on the horizon with that much usage.
This page shows Apple's projection for cycles, https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201585. It states "Use the table below to see the cycle count limit for your computer's battery. The battery is considered consumed once it reaches the limit. " For a 2015 the listed limit is 1,000 cycles.
In the US Apple charges $199 USD to replace the battery. Usually this is a top case replacement with includes the battery, keyboard, trackpad, and the Al case where you rest your hands. All of these pieces are glued and riveted together and replaced as a unit.
In the US Apple charges $199 USD to replace the battery. Usually this is a top case replacement with includes the battery, keyboard, trackpad, and the Al case where you rest your hands. All of these pieces are glued and riveted together and replaced as a unit.
The specs are 2.5Ghz i7 processor, 16gb of ram, 512gb SSD. I intend on using as my primary computer and for using Logic Pro X, so I need the processor to be in good condition.
hmm - teetering on the edge, even at that price, at least for me.
Honestly, I still stand by a desire to get one that possibly has led a bit more of a "babied" lifestyle. That's a TON of on battery/on-the-go usage.
Remember, a cycle is a full discharge and recharge, not just topping up when off the leash every now and then.
Obviously - it's your money and your call..
Apple trade in value for my 2012 2.7Ghz, 16gb, 512gb retina is $320. It has @350 cycles. Apple does not ask about battery condition when evaluating the value of the laptop, i.e. they have already assumed the battery is of no value. On top of that Apple trade in values are much lower than market prices.
Hence, my guess is that a 2015 has much higher market price than mine, since it has @2 more OS updates remaining, not withstanding the battery condition.
Hence, my guess is that a 2015 has much higher market price than mine, since it has @2 more OS updates remaining, not withstanding the battery condition.
Hmm, I think your advice and be a bit more patient since I'm in no hurry. Thanks
Hmm, I think your advice and be a bit more patient since I'm in no hurry. Thanks
Smart - if you can keep looking, there are and will be great deals out there as more and more 2015 owners upgrade now that the 16" has fixed the keyboard concerns.
Here in the US, 2 days ago Woot had base model (and higher spec) 2015 Grade A refurbs starting at $929 USD.
Almost certainly you'll be out of warranty if going with a 2015 model, so it really does matter that you get a good one if you can.
I don’t know if this is the case in the UK, but in the US the 2015s have a battery recall. You can search for battery recall, and type in the serial number, if it accepts it you get the jackpot, a new battery from Apple!
Definitely worth a try, check the serial number here: https://support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall
I actually did see if it was eligible for a battery replacement on the apple website and unfortunately it wasn’t.
Ahh too bad. The one I just got on eBay looks like maybe it was already replaced. The battery claims to have 2 cycles.
Yeah, that's a lot of cycles. I'd either hold out for a better one or see if the seller will come down more based on that. I've found it best to pass when in doubt though, but that's just me...
get it!
You could swap the battery at apple store for free because there is a swap program due to faulty batteries catching in fire