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.