Advice for buying a PS3 2nd hand

[Chadt74]

Hey all I'm looking to buy a 60GB PS3 2nd hand. I have found one and I wasn't sure if anyone had any suggestions of what to look for before buying. I guess it would be helpful to know how what to look for (Serial #, warrenty sticker like PS2 etc) and how to test (pop in a PS2/1 game, bring a BR disk etc)? Also anything else? Anyone had problems with the 60BG version?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Well ... since there really haven't been any widespread PS3 defects like the RROD on the 360 or the typical disc read errors found on other disc-based systems, I'd say bring the following media and test all of it out.

Music CD
Movie DVD
PS1 disc
PS2 disc (make sure it's an actual 60GB unit and not a 40 Gig with a 60 GB HDD swapped in)
Blu-Ray Movie
PS3 Blu-Ray Game

and if you'd like to bring some USB devices (USB Keyboard, USB Flash Drive, etc.) to test, or Memory Sticks, SD Cards, etc. to test the card reader that wouldn't hurt either.

Also, if the PS3 is in a WiFi environment, make sure that it can get online both wireless and via the ethernet port.

Other than that I'd look for anything cosmetic that would be a red flag - damage to the case of the system, loud noises coming from the unit (PS3s are normally WHISPER QUIET) excessive amounts of dirt or dust in the air grilles.

If it runs well, the 60 gig is the way to go.

[RyanMurf]

Well you have a pretty good system going. Just 3 things to really look for. General cosmetic condition. Make sure the Warranty seal is intact and hasnt been tampered with. And play a ps1/ps2/ps3/DVD movie/Blu-ray Movie and audio CD and your set! *EDIT* Frankie beat me by a second.

[Chadt74]

Thanks a bunch, I didn't even think about the noise level. I figured since I still have about 20+ PS2 games and 15 or so PS1 games I need to play I really don't want to have my PS2 and PS3 sitting next to each other so go for the 60GB.

[mailman187666]

correct me if I'm wrong, but can't you tell if its a 60gig right away by noticing the 3 different memory card slots on the front of the system? There is a little panel on the front that lifts up and has card slots for flash memory cards, an SD and a mini SD (the one for psp). A simple test of a ps2 game should do the trick if you are still unsure. I am personally happy with my 60gig and have had no major problems so far. I did have trouble ejecting a disk one time, but its been ok ever since.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I'm pretty sure the FIRST PS2 backwards compatible 80 gig units have the memory card slots.

They also play PS2 games (via emulation).

[j_factor]

Check the model number. If it starts with CECHA (the A being the most important part), it's a legit 60GB system.

[The 1 2 P]

The original 60 gb systems also had a chrome trim.

[Cornelius]

Second the above. Bring some discs just to check the drive out if not necessarily needed to check that its a real 60 gb unit. The tamper/security sticker is on one of the sides covering a screw.

I actually did buy and re-sell one with a missing security sticker, but his explanation that the kids took it off was very believable given how the kids were bouncing around while I was checking the thing out.

[Hitman Tyler]

Check the model number. If it starts with CECHA (the A being the most important part), it's a legit 60GB system.

This is not true... As long as it has the CECHA in it the serial your good. Due to mine is XXXXXXXXXX-CECHAXX
NOTE.. (X) is used to hide my serial #, its only used to show where my "CECHA" is located.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

This is not true... As long as it has the CECHA in it the serial your good. Due to mine is XXXXXXXXXX-CECHAXX
NOTE.. (X) is used to hide my serial #, its only used to show where my "CECHA" is located.

So.

It is or it isn't true?

[backguard]

if you want backwards compatibility try to track down a 60gb. it upscales ps1 and ps2 graphics and is compatible with all ps1 and ps2 games.

[Cornelius]

So.

It is or it isn't true?

I think Hitman was just saying that the serial doesn't have to start with CHECHA, as j_factor stated. Myself I don't know, but I wouldn't even believe a serial these days... pop a ps2 disc in and see if it works.

[j_factor]

The model number, not the serial number. The model number is the second part of the serial number.

[Hitman Tyler]

I think Hitman was just saying that the serial doesn't have to start with CHECHA, as j_factor stated. Myself I don't know, but I wouldn't even believe a serial these days... pop a ps2 disc in and see if it works.

yes, this is what I was saying.

[Hitman Tyler]

The model number, not the serial number. The model number is the second part of the serial number.
Interesting I didn't know that.

[otaku]

I bought one second hand just to save 75 bucks (40 gig model though) kinda wish I'd tracked down a 60gig cause I wanna play yakuza 2 :(

Mine works perfectly I bought from a trusted pawn shop I've dealt with for a decade and they test everything. It was a little scuffed up though

Make sure to get HDMI cable if your tv supports it I got mine for 6 bucks via monoprice-makes a huge difference!

[dairugger]

you might want to buy a extended warranty. last thanksgiving my nephew talked his parents into buying him a used ps3 from gamestop after spending some time with mine. i took him and told him which one to get for bc purposes. he took it home to winkelman arizona, a little mining town with no gamestop in sight for over 100 miles.

it worked for about a month. it just wouldnt turn on anymore. we called gamestop who told him it was too late, and it was his problem now. he called sony then, and long story short it cost his parents 150.00 to get it repaired. he spent more than it would have cost for a new machine. so sometimes warrantys pay.

[jcalder8]

Although not exactly the same I bought a used, as is, 20 gig version. The guy said it would over heat after about an hour worth of play.

I went to check it out and his room was about 90 degrees and he had it sitting on the carpet. He showed me that everything worked and it didn't freeze right away so I bought it, brought it home, used some compressed air on it and I haven't had a single problem with it yet.

I'd say look for people who think there is something wrong with it because, as has already been brought up in the thread, the PS3 doesn't RROD like the 360