New MBP, best way to migrate?

[tekksan]

My 2012 MBP Sierra OSX machine died and I have a TM backup of it. I ordered a 2016 MBP from eBay (not sure of what OS is installed) but I want to reinstall a fresh OS on since I don’t trust whatever is on there.

Should I install Sierra on it, use Migration assistant to get my files back and then upgrade to Mojave or install Mojave’s first, then use Migration Assistant to move my files from the Sierra TM backup?

 

[kenvip88]

Seirra - Restore - Mojave IMO

 

[leman]

Upgrade to Mojave first, then migrate. Also, I'd recommend reinstalling apps that need it instead of migrating them. Its good to do a complete new setup every few years. I've seen people who have been migrating their data since forever, their library is full of obsolete plugins and that doesn't really make the machine run better...

 

[maflynn]

but I want to reinstall a fresh OS on since I don’t trust whatever is on there.

Just restore your data from your backups, that way you have a clean install of the OS

 

[Fishrrman]

Is the 2012 retina or non-retina?
If it's a non-retina, you should open the back and remove the drive.
You can then use it with the new one as an external drive.