Would I be an insane lunatic to buy a 2013 iMac?

[Spungoflex]

Looking for a 21.5” iMac. I’d love to get the 4K, but it’s out of my price range and I can get the 2013 for $600 CAD.

Are these things reliable? Any known issues?

2017 refurb direct from Apple is $1179 (I think) or $931 after factoring our keyboard and mouse.

 

[5097842]

I didn't own that model, but don't recall any issues. Still supported by Apple, though a 7 year old computer is pretty old. If this is the 24" model, it has a very slow 5400 RPM hard drive. Don't think RAM is upgradeable on that one either.

Recommend you go for newer refurb if you can fit it in your budget. But if the 2013 is what you can afford, then it's definitely better than no Mac at all!

 

[chrfr]

I'd buy something newer if at all possible. A 2013 is at the tail end of getting operating system updates, but as above, watch out for buying ones that come with the very slow 5400 rpm hard drive, as they're extremely slow.

 

[Spungoflex]

I'd buy something newer if at all possible. A 2013 is at the tail end of getting operating system updates, but as above, watch out for buying ones that come with the very slow 5400 rpm hard drive, as they're extremely slow.

I plan on using a SSD via UBS3. This would be the case even if I could afford the 4K.

I could always wait to see what this rumored 23” iMac looks like.

 

[Tekguy0]

I plan on using a SSD via UBS3. This would be the case even if I could afford the 4K.

I could always wait to see what this rumored 23” iMac looks like.

Can you afford a Thunderbolt SSD? If the rumors of a low-cost iMac are true, then you should hold off.

 

[QCassidy352]

I am assuming this "low cost" 23" iMac will just be a replacement for the 21.5", at the same price points. I cannot see them changing the design and then selling the new design for bargain prices.

 

[gilby101]

A 2013 iMac plus USB3 SSD (for system disk and home folder) should last you ~3 years. Hopefully you know it has been looked after. And another 3 years might be good time to buy a new non-Intel iMac (if it is within your budget then).

 

[Fishrrman]

$600 is too much money for a 7-year-old iMac.

re:
"2017 refurb direct from Apple is $1179"

If there's any way you can swing this, it will be a better buy with the future in mind...

 

[mcpix]

I actually like some of the older iMacs, but here's some things to consider. It's not easy to install more memory into the 2013 iMacs. Does it have 16GB or just the standard 8GB? Would you be better off with a 27" iMac with easy to upgrade memory? Does the computer include any extras that you're interested in (external disc drive, keyboard, mouse, etc.)?
I would agree that the $600 CAD is at the high end of what this computer should sell for. Can you negotiate the price down?

 

[Infinite Vortex]

Given software support is about to be zero and repairability the same… I wouldn't if it were my money.

 

[sublunar]

Repairability will be an issue for sure and the hassle of getting into the machine to upgrade RAM and replace hard drive.

You also have to consider the lack of OS support too, while Catalina will run on it there may come a time when they discontinue support for older Macs.

 

[Azrael9]

Looking for a 21.5” iMac. I’d love to get the 4K, but it’s out of my price range and I can get the 2013 for $600 CAD.

Are these things reliable? Any known issues?

2017 refurb direct from Apple is $1179 (I think) or $931 after factoring our keyboard and mouse.

Yes.

Azrael.

 

[sracer]

I plan on using a SSD via UBS3. This would be the case even if I could afford the 4K.

I could always wait to see what this rumored 23” iMac looks like.

Since you plan on using an external SSD, then my recommendation is to go for it! My 2013 21" iMac's harddrive was on death's doorstep 2 years ago and I bought an external SSD for it to extend the life. It works amazingly well... even faster than when it was brand new. (it's my Plex server now) I plan on buying an SSD for my current iMac as the harddrive is painfully slow by comparison.

 

[throwinrocks]

$600.00? NO WAY
I picked one up off eBay for $325.00. MINT CONDITION. It came with all the original stuff. Box, wireless keyboard and mouse and the trackpad.
You need to shop around.My 2013 came with 8GB of memory but I'm updating the HHD with an SSD.
Don't pay that $600.00

 

[Azrael9]

$600 is too much money for a 7-year-old iMac.

re:
"2017 refurb direct from Apple is $1179"

If there's any way you can swing this, it will be a better buy with the future in mind...

Pays to shop around if one buys a 2nd hand car or computer or anything.

Azrael.
[automerge]1588012719[/automerge]

Looking for a 21.5” iMac. I’d love to get the 4K, but it’s out of my price range and I can get the 2013 for $600 CAD.

Are these things reliable? Any known issues?

2017 refurb direct from Apple is $1179 (I think) or $931 after factoring our keyboard and mouse.

If you've got $600 and you absolutely MUST buy now (with a WWDC and possible iMac release relatively imminent..)

Apple has (at least in the UK...) a two year 0% finance option.

You could put that 600$ towards the iMac and payments over two years. Spread out the cost.

That 600$ would also go towards a Mac mini and cheap 3rd party monitor. (Again, Apple have a 0% 2 year finance on the Mini as well.)

Food for thought.

Do you homework on eBay. Some people sell 2nd hand iMacs for outrageous prices (trying their arm) but you may get the old seller who still has an iMac with a 3 year warranty (Apple Care) still within use on the iMac you're after.

Buy iMac

Get an iMac all-in-one desktop computer with M4 chip when you trade in an eligible Mac for credit. Built for Apple Intelligence. Buy now.

www.apple.com

0%. 2 years. 54£ a month. £1200. 600£ down. £27 a month over two years.

Azrael.
[automerge]1588012746[/automerge]

$600.00? NO WAY
I picked one up off eBay for $325.00. MINT CONDITION. It came with all the original stuff. Box, wireless keyboard and mouse and the trackpad.
You need to shop around.My 2013 came with 8GB of memory but I'm updating the HHD with an SSD.
Don't pay that $600.00

What this guy said.

Azrael.

 

[throwinrocks]

Locally in Austin TX on Offerup I see these 21.5" models 3 2013's and 2 2014's all appear to be in great shape. $300-$350.00 Cheaper shipping and no taxes due.