Anybody Ever Buy a Refurbished System?

[drumguy79]

I'm looking to finally pick up a PS2, but would love to save a few $. I'm thinking about getting one of the refurbished systems from EBgames or Gamestop, and wanted to see if any of you had ever bought any refurbished systems from them. Were your experiences positive? Any horror stories? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Querjek]

If you're getting a PS2, get a refurbished one as it is less likely to break down. Also, get a warranty. For a PS2, you'll need it.

[Kejoriv]

If you're getting a PS2, get a refurbished one as it is less likely to break down. Also, get a warranty. For a PS2, you'll need it.

Agree with 100%. The lasers on PS2 are horrible. The only thing is if you buy a warranty you cant open it. This means no mod chip.

[swlovinist]

Gosh I hate it when I screw up :angry:

[swlovinist]

Cover your back if you get a refurbished one(get a warrinty), I personally think a new one is the way to go. Like a used car, you dont know how the previous person played on the system or what was the reason why it was refurbished in the first place. My other question is....is $30.00 worth it? My vote is just get a new one and sleep sound at night. I agree with the durability of the PS2s.........overall they have not proved themselves.

[Mr Mort]

My vote goes to a new one as well. Just like swlovinist said, I'd rather save up an extra $30.00 and get a brand new one to be assured there is nothing wrong with it. Just make sure to get an SCPH-5000 model one, as they are the newest revision, and seem to have all the bugs worked out. You can easily tell if it's a 5000 model by looking at the bottom right corner of the front of box, there should be a yellow triangle with a "+" in it.

For added security if you buy it @ Best Buy, you can opt for their 2-year warranty, I believe it's an extra $20 or $30, but you're covered regardless of how the system goes bad, and they replace it with a brand new one, no questions asked.

I know you said you're strapped on cash, but if you spend a little more now, it might save you a lot more down the line.

[CitizenWhite]

Cover your back if you get a refurbished one(get a warrinty), I personally think a new one is the way to go. Like a used car, you dont know how the previous person played on the system or what was the reason why it was refurbished in the first place. My other question is....is $30.00 worth it? My vote is just get a new one and sleep sound at night. I agree with the durability of the PS2s.........overall they have not proved themselves.

Agreed 100%. Although if the refurbishers replaced the lense and that assembly, it might not be a bad way to go, if not better.

[GamecubeFreek]

I bought a refurbished PS1 at Gamestop a few years ago and never had any problems...I dont know if that helps.

[Spoony Bard]

I bought a referbished Dreamcast, and it lasted about a year and a half before the laser motor just died. Between that and my disc read errors on my used Gamecube, I don't think I'll ever buy a previously used system ever again if I can help it.

[The Manimal]

I bought a referbished Dreamcast, and it lasted about a year and a half before the laser motor just died. Between that and my disc read errors on my used Gamecube, I don't think I'll ever buy a previously used system ever again if I can help it.


You can always trust the cartridge based systems ;)

[SoulBlazer]

I bought my GameCube used at EB about a year and a half ago and no problems.

[cahaz]

my brother buy a refrub... (something)

xbox and stil have no prob with it works great and smeal like new ! ;)

[sisko]

If a system is refurbed, it has been restored to meet or exceed factory specs, and if you're going to get the warranty (and you should) why bother spend the extra money to get a new unit?

You're covered if the system fails, so all you would really be losing is a drive to the store No sense in wasting $30 for a prettier box.

[jdc]

Anyone will tell you that the PS2 is absolutely horrible reliability-wise. Ask yourself this: to what degree is the "refurbished" unit actually refurbished. To zero degree is usually it, besides some Windex on the outer case and a quick run through with a disc cleaning kit.

Plenty of people will suddenly trade in a PS2 when it just starts to show signs of crapping out but still has some life left in it. You can't judge the degree of neglect that the previous owner has put onto such a sensitive machine. My answer is the same as when I used to work with the things. Used PS2? Never. Cube or XboX...sure, with a good return policy.

[sisko]

Anyone will tell you that the PS2 is absolutely horrible reliability-wise. Ask yourself this: to what degree is the "refurbished" unit actually refurbished. To zero degree is usually it, besides some Windex on the outer case and a quick run through with a disc cleaning kit.

Plenty of people will suddenly trade in a PS2 when it just starts to show signs of crapping out but still has some life left in it. You can't judge the degree of neglect that the previous owner has put onto such a sensitive machine. My answer is the same as when I used to work with the things. Used PS2? Never. Cube or XboX...sure, with a good return policy.

Used and refurbished are two entirely different things.

It is illegal to sell a used unit as a refurb when it has not been, not to say it doesn't happen, but you should report any establishment that you catch doing this.

Factory refurbs usually have some sort of marking near the serial number, such as a sticker, highlighter mark, etc. and should be in a sealed box. Check for the warranty sticker on the back too (says "void if removed" or something).

But yeah, definitely avoid used.

[tholly]

I don't think I would buy used or refurbished. For a used you don't know what the previous owner did and for refurbished, there is a reason it was refurbished. If you don't have the cash for a new one now, just hold out a little longer and save up some extra money to get a nice new system with a new controller and cables in a box.

[sabre2922]

If your even thinking of getting a used or refurbished PS2 all I have to say is GOOD LUCK MY FELLOW GAMER ;)

[nesuser2]

you can pick up the ps2 online pack on ebay for very reasonable prices. New, I saw a couple for $160 shipped......but you might want to check that before you get hyped. Anyways, that's a good deal and if you're worried about a warranty....find a website on how to fix a ps2. They're out there. I've never had any problems with mine and it's a v7.

[omnedon]

Depends who refurbished it, and their warranty/return policy.

EB or Gamestop... No way.

Me.... sure! LOL (don't have any units I trust enough to sell online sorry- so don't ask)

SONY... sure! Their refurbs have the latest and greatest insides, even if the outside says an earlier version. SONY refurbs are rock solid.

That said, I'd agree that the newest PS2's are the most reliable of the lot (makes sense- no?). They will always have issues with dust, as long as they keep the current layout design, in my opinion.

[Oobgarm]

I can honetly say that buying new over refurb is the way to go.

I've seen too many refurbs returned. Moreso with Xbox than PS2, but that's besides the point. The new PS2 seems to be a better built machine anyway, just pony up the extra $30-$40. Besides, you'd be spending the same amount on a refurb + warranty as you would a new system.

Just my $.02.

[jdc]

Just to add.....I own the latest PS2 and it does seem to run considerably more cool and quiet over others that I've had. I also know that my original launch day PS2 is STILL running strong. I must have gotten a fluke one!!!

[DigitalSpace]

EDIT: Nevermind.