Need help deciding between two MBP 2015 13”

[bajese_del_auto]

I have a MBP 2015 13” (8gb/128gb) that recently got damaged and repairs are estimated at $275. I figured with that money I could buy one with better memory and other improvements.

Option 1 (16GB RAM/ 256SSD) PRICE: $410
I recently received my Ebay order from Pacific Macs 3 days ago. It’s in good condition, perfect screen, works great but it has several dents scratches on the exterior. I'm thinking of returning as a result.

• Battery with 51 cycles
• PHOTOS:

  https://imgur.com/a/d047mCO

Option 2 (8GB RAM/ 256SSD) PRICE: $324
The person selling to me is sending me more pictures tomorrow but it appears to be in perfect condition. Just one small scratch on the bottom. Only con is 8gb RAM instead of 16 like the other.

• Apple Battery with 148 cycles
• Possibly negotiable price (maybe $300 flat)

I really wanted an improved RAM since that can't be upgraded on this model and I have A LOT of files for school and use video-editing software like FinalCutPro, etc. BUT, the aesthetic well being is important to me as well. Just looking for thoughts. Am I being unreasonable?

 

[kitKAC]

Yes, you're being unreasonable. It's a tool to do your work.

 

[bajese_del_auto]

Yes, you're being unreasonable. It's a tool to do your work.

Ok but ignoring aesthetics, what about in terms in price? I've heard the most one should pay for 2015 MBP is $250, regardless of condition. If I could bring the 8/256gb down to $280-290 max, would that better than $410 for the 16/256gb?

 

[kitKAC]

I really wanted an improved RAM since that can't be upgraded on this model

I don't know anything about the maximum prices for 7 years old machines but you state that you wanted the extra RAM, if so - you'll have to pay for it.

 

[bobcomer]

It's no contest for me, the 16GB RAM one.

 

[bajese_del_auto]

It's no contest for me, the 16GB RAM one.

I ended up negotiating the 8gb/258gb one down to $284. It's in mint condition. My reasoning is that my original 8gb/126gb worked fine. The only reason I even started looking was because for the same price of repairs, I could get one in nicer condition and better specs.

My plan is to use this one for at least 4-5 years, then I'll upgrade to the latest MBP and keep this one for backup, travel, etc. I would have been more willing to spared extra $126 for the 16gb one if didn't have these cosmetic issues.

I'm curious, does this plan sound stupid to you? I value your opinion, and can still just keep the 16gb one and return the other one.

 

[bobcomer]

I'm curious, does this plan sound stupid to you? I value your opinion, and can still just keep the 16gb one and return the other one.

It's definitely not stupid, you know your own needs far better than I. That's a good price!

 

[ilikewhey]

if the screen is not scratched up i would keep the 16gb, 16gb will last you far longer than 8gb and thats a fact, as for scratches, just slap on a case and call it a day, you are buying a used 7 year old laptop, there are bound to be scratches and dents.

 

[BeatCrazy]

I ended up negotiating the 8gb/258gb one down to $284. It's in mint condition. My reasoning is that my original 8gb/126gb worked fine. The only reason I even started looking was because for the same price of repairs, I could get one in nicer condition and better specs.

My plan is to use this one for at least 4-5 years, then I'll upgrade to the latest MBP and keep this one for backup, travel, etc. I would have been more willing to spared extra $126 for the 16gb one if didn't have these cosmetic issues.

I'm curious, does this plan sound stupid to you? I value your opinion, and can still just keep the 16gb one and return the other one.

This seems like a bad idea all around. A 2020 M1 MacBook Air is <$600 used via Swappa. I realize $300 is a lot different than $600.

But if you're really planning on using this for 4-5 years, you should find a way to get that extra $300 for an M1, which will run circles around even the 16GB RAM model you're considering.

The 2015 13" MBP is already no longer supported (Monterey), and sometime next year, it will stop getting security updates. In 4-5 years, there's a good chance that browsers and major apps won't even support Monterey. Yet, the M1 will be fully supported by both Apple and all applications.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I have a MBP 2015 13” (8gb/128gb) that recently got damaged and repairs are estimated at $275. I figured with that money I could buy one with better memory and other improvements.

Option 1 (16GB RAM/ 256SSD) PRICE: $410
I recently received my Ebay order from Pacific Macs 3 days ago. It’s in good condition, perfect screen, works great but it has several dents scratches on the exterior. I'm thinking of returning as a result.

• Battery with 51 cycles
• PHOTOS:

  https://imgur.com/a/d047mCO

Option 2 (8GB RAM/ 256SSD) PRICE: $324
The person selling to me is sending me more pictures tomorrow but it appears to be in perfect condition. Just one small scratch on the bottom. Only con is 8gb RAM instead of 16 like the other.

• Apple Battery with 148 cycles
• Possibly negotiable price (maybe $300 flat)

I really wanted an improved RAM since that can't be upgraded on this model and I have A LOT of files for school and use video-editing software like FinalCutPro, etc. BUT, the aesthetic well being is important to me as well. Just looking for thoughts. Am I being unreasonable?

Between those two choices, ignore the meaningless cosmetics and get the box with double the RAM. The OS and apps increase their RAM demands over time and you say you want to keep the box a while.