Buyer beware when buying anything. With a used computer, it should be buyer look-out! But, with a few checklist items to look out for, you can buy confidently.
Here’s what to look out for when buying a used computer:
- Why is it being sold? Is it just old? Find out why it’s being sold. It is not wanted any longer? Isthere a problem with it?
- Is it used or refurbished? Used just means it’s not new. Refurbished means it was fixed or has used parts inside.
- Any baggage? Ask if there were any issues with it during its life? What replacements have been made?
- What’s under the hood? What’s the RAM, processor and hard drive capacity?
- Any comps? Any free software loaded up?
- Take it for a test drive. By all means, take it out on the road. Don’t take the salesperson’s word for it. Check it out for yourself.
- What’s the warranty? How long? Is it satisfaction guaranteed where if you don’t like it, you can return it?
So, go in with eyes wide-open when purchasing your used computer. And by the way, it’s a huge cost-savings. In our computer repair shop, our used models that are just 1-2 years old are 1/3 of the original price. Great savings and great used computers.
