How to buy a pre owned macbook pro 2019?

[scalar009]

Im looking at alot of pre owned listings and some come with apple care. Isn't apple care tied to the owners account? Or is it to the machine?

Also how can I know the macbook isn't icloud locked or something? (Or that it has any passwords)

 

[posguy99]

No, AppleCare is tied to the machine.

Re how do you know... you really don't. If you buy a machine on eBay or Craigslist, you're pretty much throwing your money away.

 

[glenthompson]

I've bought multiple Macs on eBay and Craigslist with no problems. Most will sell with a fresh install of MacOS and if in person you can check everything out. If buying on Craigslist I like to do the transaction somewhere with a good internet connection. That way I can check that it's operating properly.

Which 2019 models? You do not want one with the butterfly keyboard.

 

[Boyd01]

FWIW, quite a few Apple Certified Refurbished 2019 MacBook Pros are available. They include a full one-year Apple warranty, the same as a new Mac, and are also eligible for AppleCare.

Refurbished Mac - 2019 - MacBook Pro

Save up to 15% on a refurbished MacBook Pro. Tested and certified by Apple including a 1-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.

www.apple.com

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

You DO NOT want to buy a 2019 MacBook Pro if...
- it's a 13" with the butterfly keyboard
- it's a 15" with the butterfly keyboard.

The butterfly keyboard is highly-prone to failure.
And when it fails -- EVEN IF IT'S ONLY ONE KEY -- the ENTIRE top case of the computer has to be replaced.

That's going to cost you $750 or more -- JUST FOR ONE KEY.

Apple currently has an extended warranty on the keyboard, but it's for 4 years from the date of purchase. That means the warranty on a 2019 MBP will run out next year.

Do you really want to take a chance on one of these?

Having said that...
The 2019 MacBook Pro 16" has the improved "scissors style" keyboard.
Completely different design.
That might be a worthwhile buy.

But having said that...
The best place to buy a "used" MBP is from the Apple Refurbished online store.
Then you KNOW what you're getting.

 

[Diablo360]

I would agree with the opinion above, please do not buy the butterfly keyboard model; and I would also avoid the Intel 2019 models too. You’re better of spending a little bit more and going with an M1

 

[philosopherdog]

don't buy anything that is less than an m1. intel macs are junk

 

[MarkC426]

Im looking at alot of pre owned listings and some come with apple care. Isn't apple care tied to the owners account? Or is it to the machine?

Also how can I know the macbook isn't icloud locked or something? (Or that it has any passwords)

Another option is Amazon.
I havn't bought any 'renewed' or refurbished models from them, but they come with 12 months Amazon warranty.

 

[posguy99]

don't buy anything that is less than an m1. intel macs are junk

They're not, of course. May or may not be a little dated, depending. But certainly not junk.