New MacBook vs Used MacBook

[sorintrifu]

Hi Guys,

Do you think it is safe to buy a used MacBook for less money over a brand new one?

I know there are lots of aspects one should consider when buying used anything, but let's assume you do find a good used Mac deal, would you buy it over a new one?

What things do you think one should look at before buying a used Mac?

Any thoughts are highly appreciated.

PS: I'm not looking for a specific model, I'm just curious if it would be a good idea to buy used over new if you're looking to save some money - or maybe other reasons other than financial reason as to why one would buy used over new.

I'm new to MacRumors and I am looking to buy my first Mac EVER and I'm very excited about it as it has been on my mind for many years, but I am also afraid that if I buy used I may be off to a bad start.

 

[makinao]

If you want to save some, Apple Refurbished is better. 1 year warranty, and qualified for AppleCare.

 

[Boyd01]

let's assume you do find a good used Mac deal,

IMO, unless it belongs to a friend and you're already familiar with it, how will you know it's a "good deal" until after you purchase? Laptops can be pretty fragile, personally I would not be so keen on buying a used one. Something like Mac Mini would be safer, since there's no screen, keyboard or trackpad and it's less likely to have been dropped or abused.

There are a few reputable places, such as MacSales that sell used Macs with a 90-day warranty. I bought a 2012 Mini from them a few years ago and it was perfect, like new. But you're not likely to find any "bargains" there.

Unless your budget limits you to a used Mac, I don't think it's a good idea. You can save about 15% over new with certified refurbished Macs directly from Apple. They have the same warranty as new, have bought several and they have been perfect.

Refurbished Mac Deals - Apple

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

www.apple.com

 

[sorintrifu]

If you want to save some, Apple Refurbished is better. 1 year warranty, and qualified for AppleCare.

I am considering refurbished as well. I just have to do some research on different models and decide on one. Thank you for the advice.

 

[sorintrifu]

IMO, unless it belongs to a friend and you're already familiar with it, how will you know it's a "good deal" until after you purchase? Laptops can be pretty fragile, personally I would not be so keen on buying a used one. Something like Mac Mini would be safer, since there's no screen, keyboard or trackpad and it's less likely to have been dropped or abused.

There are a few reputable places, such as MacSales that sell used Macs with a 90-day warranty. I bought a 2012 Mini from them a few years ago and it was perfect, like new. But you're not likely to find any "bargains" there.

Unless your budget limits you to a used Mac, I don't think it's a good idea. You can save about 15% over new with certified refurbished Macs directly from Apple. They have the same warranty as new, have bought several and they have been perfect.

Refurbished Mac Deals - Apple

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

www.apple.com

This is very useful information. It seems like it's not worth the risk of buying used so I'll reconsider my budget and look into refurbished models.
Either way, I'll let you know how it went

 

[highmayhem]

I have happily purchased many Apple-refurbished products and would do so again.

 

[TechRunner]

Another vote for Apple-refurbished systems. I've purchased several items over the years, they come with the same one-year warranty as new, and I've had zero issues with any of them.

 

[sorintrifu]

Another vote for Apple-refurbished systems. I've purchased several items over the years, they come with the same one-year warranty as new, and I've had zero issues with any of them.

Any idea what's the average discount on like-new refurbished ones?

 

[avz]

I would say it all depends on your experience(technical and general life). The important thing is to be realistic about your current status(beginner) and not try to run before you learn how to walk. So refurbished is a good advice.

But for those of us who know specs of all Macs by heart, basic troubleshooting and common issues etc. there are definitely insane deals out there for mint Macs that sometimes "appear" in a non-working condition. Nothing is free in life though as we pay for our "deals" mostly with our knowledge that took some time to gain.

 

[TechRunner]

Any idea what's the average discount on like-new refurbished ones?

It depends on what you're buying, but usually 10-20% is a good average.

 

[sorintrifu]

I would say it all depends on your experience(technical and general life). The important thing is to be realistic about your current status(beginner) and not try to run before you learn how to walk. So refurbished is a good advice.

But for those of us who know specs of all Macs by heart, basic troubleshooting and common issues etc. there are definitely insane deals out there for mint Macs that sometimes "appear" in a non-working condition. Nothing is free in life though as we pay for our "deals" mostly with our knowledge that took some time to gain.

Thank you.

I'm an engineer but I'm DEFINITELY aware that even so this would be my first MacBook so I do consider myself a beginner on that front...No question about it.

It's interesting that you mentioned that because one of my 'rules' when buying something I've never owned before is to go for used or refurbished.

The reason for that is because I kinda break everything the first time. I get super excited and I want to learn everything about that 'new' item/gadget, and oftentimes something bad happens.

So I'd rather break a refurbished MacBook and learn lots of new things and then buy a new one.

 

[Boyd01]

Any idea what's the average discount on like-new refurbished ones?

From my experience, it is always 15% off the list price on Apple's site. However, you need to do your research. I have seen time when large retailers have offered a new model for less, especially in the case of a model that was recently discontinued. For example, I got a new 2.8ghz/8gb 2014 Mini in a "blowout" sale from B&H Photo for $500 shortly after the 2018 Mini had been released. Surprisingly, Apple was still selling the exact same computer in the refurb store for about $1000. That would have been 15% off the list price of the new mac.

 

[sorintrifu]

From my experience, it is always 15% off the list price on Apple's site. However, you need to do your research. I have seen time when large retailers have offered a new model for less, especially in the case of a model that was recently discontinued. For example, I got a new 2.8ghz/8gb 2014 Mini in a "blowout" sale from B&H Photo for $500 shortly after the 2018 Mini had been released. Surprisingly, Apple was still selling the exact same computer in the refurb store for about $1000. That would have been 15% off the list price of the new mac.

Congrats on that deal and thank you for sharing.

I will keep an eye for something similar I guess

 

[Boil]

@sorintrifu - If this is your first Mac, then I would suggest skipping any Intel models & going for a M1-powered model...

If it has to be used, go for an Apple Refurbished model, get that warranty and purchase the AppleCare+ for piece of mind...

 

[sorintrifu]

@sorintrifu - If this is your first Mac, then I would suggest skipping any Intel models & going for a M1-powered model...

If it has to be used, go for an Apple Refurbished model, get that warranty and purchase the AppleCare+ for piece of mind...

That's good advice.
I've done research all day and I came to realize the M1 might be the way to go.
I'm doing something good so far I guess.

 

[Technerd108]

I would not buy a used or refurbished Macbook. It could simply be a return or it could have been a problem notebook that they "fixed" but it may not be.

Do you take any classes? If you are taking any school work then you could qualify for a student discount of 10% off any new item.

Also getting used most likely means Intel. Avoid Intel and get an M1. A used M1 Macbook pro 13" could be a good deal but you also may be able to get sale prices on the Macbook air 2020 and MBP 13" 2020 like $100-$300 depending on the model.

I also agree with Boil!

Good luck!!

 

[avz]

Thank you.

I'm an engineer but I'm DEFINITELY aware that even so this would be my first MacBook so I do consider myself a beginner on that front...No question about it.

It's interesting that you mentioned that because one of my 'rules' when buying something I've never owned before is to go for used or refurbished.

The reason for that is because I kinda break everything the first time. I get super excited and I want to learn everything about that 'new' item/gadget, and oftentimes something bad happens.

So I'd rather break a refurbished MacBook and learn lots of new things and then buy a new one.

Just be aware that a used Macs with soldered SSD's can potentially have a huge amounts of data written and don't have much life left. I am considering buying a used 2018 Mac mini but am concerned about the life left in a disk as most of them came with 256GB drives and can be heavily used especially if the previoius owner did a lot of photo/video editing.

All in all it is impossible to beat a brand new M1 MacBook Pro/Air especially when the sale is on.

 

[Pandyone]

There are obviously pros and cons of buying used. Much depends on the condition of the product and how the computer was used. As others has stated, MacBooks can be harder to get in good conditions and bring used online can be a gamble.

I just bought my first MacBook Air M1 (and Mac overall, yay!) used, and am super happy with it!
It was in a really good condition at 100% battery capacity, just over half a year old. The previous owner had pretty much not used it at all.
My recommendation is to, if possible, look at the MacBook in real life before buying.

For me it was difficult before the first purchase to know how I would like macos etc. going from Windows, and then used can be a good option.

 

[Jack Neill]

Ive bought several Macs and PC from Best Buy open box and never had an issue with any of them and saved quite a bit of coin.

 

[AZhappyjack]

Ive bought several Macs and PC from Best Buy open box and never had an issue with any of them and saved quite a bit of coin.

Consider yourself very lucky. Their Geek Squad is largely a train wreck. I had issues years ago with their "refurbished" devices, and Best Buy's open box - missing parts, stuff doesn't work, cosmetic issues with cases, etc. No thanks... when I buy "used", I always buy from Apple's refurb store. A savings of 15% is typical, and good enough for me.