Refurbished MacBook Pro 14" Baseline - Where to buy? (and other concerns)

[RyMacG4]

Hello! My apologies if I don't have any idea of what to do - this is my first MacRumors post after all.

So after much debate, I think I've made a decision on what MacBook to buy for my birthday (I am over the age of 13, just to be clear). I decided on a 14" baseline MacBook Pro. However, the prices are varying all across the board. I don't think I'll be able to buy it new from Apple, since I don't think I can afford it. So I'm looking for the best refurbished deals I can find. After 15 minutes of searching, here's what I've found so far.

Apple (refurbished): $1799

Amazon (new): $1799
Amazon (renewed): $1682
Amazon (used): $1649

Best Buy (new): $1799
Best Buy (excellent open box): $1658
Best Buy (fair open box): $1579

eBay: $1549-$1649

Right now, I'm leaning towards the Best Buy open box option, but is there anywhere else that's cheaper and/or more reliable? Also, would the prices come down significantly in a few months if/when the M2 MBPs are unveiled?

Thanks in advance!

 

[0128672]

Best Buy open box can be a bit iffy unless you're buying a excellent-certified condition or even an excellent condition. You'd want to thoroughly inspect the machine. Those open box are machines that may have been used up to the 90-day return period (depending on the original buyer's membership level at BB).

The $1579 you're quoting is an open box fair meaning "significant cosmetic signs of use" and "vital accessories missing" meaning you'll have to spend more on those accessories and you won't be eligible for a one-year warranty or Applecare. It's a gamble to consider one of those, and I don't feel the savings is worth it. And is it even available in your area so you can inspect it?

Your best bet in my experience is an Apple refurbished, hands down. You'll get the same-as-new one year warranty, can buy AC+ if you want it, and it's likely to be in flawless condition. I just bought a refurb M1 MBA 16/512. It had 2 battery cycles on it and is otherwise flawless. I have high confidence in these refurb products.

Although I shop at BB for new Apple stuff sometimes, I don't want to take risks in buying open box there unless it's in excellent condition and I can examine it first. Actually the only open box item I've bought at BB was an Apple Pencil 1, and it was fine.

 

[RyMacG4]

Best Buy open box can be a bit iffy unless you're buying a excellent-certified condition or even an excellent condition. You'd want to thoroughly inspect the machine. Those open box are machines that may have been used up to the 90-day return period (depending on the original buyer's membership level at BB).

The $1579 you're quoting is an open box fair meaning "significant cosmetic signs of use" and "vital accessories missing" meaning you'll have to spend more on those accessories and you won't be eligible for a one-year warranty or Applecare. It's a gamble to consider one of those, and I don't feel the savings is worth it. And is it even available in your area so you can inspect it?

Your best bet in my experience is an Apple refurbished, hands down. You'll get the same-as-new one year warranty, can buy AC+ if you want it, and it's likely to be in flawless condition. I just bought a refurb M1 MBA 16/512. It had 2 battery cycles on it and is otherwise flawless. I have high confidence in these refurb products.

Although I shop at BB for new Apple stuff sometimes, I don't want to take risks in buying open box there unless it's in excellent condition and I can examine it first. Actually the only open box item I've bought at BB was an Apple Pencil 1, and it was fine.

Ok, that does make sense. Not to mention it comes in the Silver, which I think is inferior to Space Grey.

As of right now though, Best Buy would still be the winner. If their Open Box Excellent/Certified tier is accurate, then $1658 would still be the best deal. Of course, there could still be better deals, but this is the best one I've found so far.

Thanks for your advice though. I definitely do understand the benefits of the Apple Refurbished program, but I still think it's a bit too much money. I'm definitely willing to have one little nick on the corners or have many more battery cycles than spend another $140.

 

[0128672]

Hope you'll post back with your decision and let us know it all worked out as you hope.

 

[RokinAmerica]

That BB open box looks like a really good deal.

 

[RyMacG4]

Because the price for 14" MBPs dropped overnight at Best Buy ($1799 to $1599), I'm going to order new. Thanks for your help!