Looking At Used -- Best Value?

[coffee_plz]

I'm looking to upgrade from my late '09 Pro. I use it to run specific light-weight software (think word processor level) and it's not my daily driver. However, it's maxed out at El Captain, which means it's useful life with me is over, as I need something that can run Sierra. It's irritating as the '09 runs the software I need just fine, but the newest release requires Sierra, so the writing is on the wall.

Since it's not my daily driver, I'm looking at used. What should I be looking for that is a decent mix of remaining useful life and value? I'm willing to spend up to around $1,500 (give or take), but would prefer to keep it around $1,000. 13" or 15", don't care about Retina or Glossy, but would prefer to avoid a crummy keyboard and lack of ports.

 

[mcpix]

Although an older computer is cheaper than a newer computer, I think the best value Macbook Pros right now are the 2014s. You can still find some low mileage versions on eBay (some even have some Applecare left), they have Thunderbolt 2 and they have a "standard" track pad instead of the haptic feedback trackpad on the 2015 MBP. It's the Macbook I'm currently using for all my work and I'm thinking about picking up another one as a back up.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Just to add a counterpoint, I really really like the Force Touch trackpads that allow me to click anywhere (not just towards the bottom). If you have an interest in that you'll need to go with a 2015 model. (I think that's when it came to MBP's?)

 

[ZapNZs]

For $1,300, you can often get a brand new 2015 13-inch + AppleCare (128 SSD).
For $1,450, you can often get a brand new 2016 13-inch + AppleCare (256 SSD).
Some of the new MacBook Airs are selling as low as $750 (i5/8gb/128 SSD) - these are darned fine machines, too.
In a few months, you may also be able to get a brand new updated MacBook Air + AppleCare for under $1,200, if the rumors are true and Apple updates it.

From a used perspective, you could probably find 2014s with 6-12 months of AppleCare remaining...but, because MBPs hold their value so well, you probably will not save much compared to purchasing a brand new 2015 since the 2015s can often be found for crazy good deals.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

For that usage just buy the latest non touchbar version. It can be found under $1500.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/MacBook-MacBook-Pro/ci/13223/N/4110474291

You may also want to look at the MacBook which may be a better fit for something that needs little power and performance.

 

[TonyK]

Or you can buy a NEW 2015 for a very good price as well from B&H Photo. This link returns 2 systems for < $1600

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/sear...s_2740|100_usb-3.0&N=4110474291&mnp=&mxp=1600

They are early 2015 units but you are saving some $$$ by doing that.

 

[Fishrrman]

New or refurbished 2015 MacBook Pro 13" (BE SURE to get 256gb drive).

Refurbished 2016 MacBook Pro ntb13"

I wouldn't buy anything older than the 2015.

(I got my 2015 MBPro 13" for 1,189 back in December from one of the ebay "bulk sellers" - brand new, running fine)