POLL: Buy New or Used?

[Me]

I was wondering how many here buy used detectors, etc., and how many go strictly new.

Share your thoughts.

EasyDiggin

 

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[wildrider]

depends on $$ situation, bargains, desires.

 

[re-tek]

$$ is everything. i wouldnt spend more than say $200-300 on a used detector and thats if i'm getting it at less than half price. MD'ers are pretty sensitive devices so if i'm gonna spend several hundred bucks, i want a warranty.

 

[Sandman]

Buying used saves you money on the purchase only. There is no warranty for second hand buyers. If you are a newbie, you won't know if the detector is working properly and would bad mouth a fine detector that was "sick." But some buyers are lucky and get a fantastic machine that they couldn't or wouldn't afford otherwise. If I found another Excal at a garage sale you can bet I would bring it home with me so I could swing one on each arm.

 

[John (Ma)]

It depends on the item and any research I have come up with to support a good deal or am I just gambling. There are alot of good used items for sale when peoples interests change or what have you and then there are deals out there that are pure chance. Othertimes, piece of mind in knowing what the item has been through and as Sandman said you then get the warranty, too.

 

[Farmercal]

My last three machines were bought used. All three are in excellent condition. Of course all three were bought from metal detectorist from this or other forums (NOT EBAY). I have no regrets and I also have three fantastic detectors. Oh yeah and like Sandman said you don't have a warranty but that wasn't much of a factor for my situation.

Cal

 

[Spidey]

I'd buy used from the guys on this board--if they have more than a few posts, and had been a member here for awhile--to where I thought I could trust 'em.

 

[erikk]

I bought 2 used EX2's when everyone was dumping them to get the new SE. Also bought 2 Excals that were also used. I can afford to buy new but all these machines were in pristine condition and work great. From what I saved I figure I can get them fixed if they break and still be ahead of the game. Depends on the detector. I bought my Fisher F-75 new because I had heard there were problems with some so I have the warranty on that one but so far it also works like a charm

 

[SHERMANVILLE ILLINOIS]

New or used?
Good question.

I sort of like, "never used".

 

[Me]

I think this has largely to do with ones financial status. If you're knocking off $100,000+ a year and the wife gives you a decent allowance from that amount then maybe you can swing all brand new machines.

I buy mostly new for the reasons mentioned here. However, I also sell my like new machines on ebay so I know there are good ones offered there.

I've also purchased some used machines via the bay and all but one was great. The one poor one was an old relic machine I bought mainly for nostalgic purposes anyway.

One great detector brand to buy used is Tesoro. The warrentee is awesome. They fix almost anything for almost any reason. I've even heard they usually fix machines way-off warranty for free. And another thing that may be even more important is the newer coils work on most of the older models.

I like used because I can try a model out and not lose any money on it if I decide to turn around and sell it.

MB

 

[birdman]

I have bought new and used . About two years ago I bought a used machine that was like new and after about 6 hours on it the coil went bad . It was a new model and was basically a factory defect but I had to pay for a new coil because I bought it used. Other then that I have never had a problem buying used machines and have got some great deals here on treasure net. I have bought three new machines also but I always have used a trade in so not to hurt my wallet to much.

 

[Me]

I have bought new and used . About two years ago I bought a used machine that was like new and after about 6 hours on it the coil went bad . It was a new model and was basically a factory defect but I had to pay for a new coil because I bought it used.

What was the brand of the machine that had the failed coil? This could happen with any brand but I'm just curious.

MB

 

[birdman]

It was a fisher ID excel , I had a fisher CZ5 that I beat half to death and never had any problem with it and the ID Excel died with out a scratch on it. I sent it to fisher for troubleshooting and traded it off.The new coil cost me about 130.00 if I remember right. It had good target separation but not great depth . I am sure it was just a fluke being Fisher puts out a good product.

 

[Michigan Badger]

It was a fisher ID excel , I had a fisher CZ5 that I beat half to death and never had any problem with it and the ID Excel died with out a scratch on it. I sent it to fisher for troubleshooting and traded it off.The new coil cost me about 130.00 if I remember right. It had good target separation but not great depth . I am sure it was just a fluke being Fisher puts out a good product.

Glad it wasn't your Tesoro birdman.

Say, it's been a while, how is your Vaquero working for you?

I love my Tejon.

Badger

 

[DFX-SE Gregg]

whites has a transferable warranty....as long as warranty is in affect!

 

[bakergeol]

I buy both new and used. I bought my X-5 used at about half price new.
I tend to buy used from dealers only. It is a bit more expensive and you will not get a bargain. However, if you have problems with it after you get it the dealer will take care of you.

Warranties are not a big issue for me as I upgrade a lot.

George

 

[Billiard Rich]

I'm always watching ebay for under-priced machines. Whenever I pick one up, I test it and if it works OK, I'll swing it a few days to see how I like it. The hard-part is deciding which machines to put back up for sale on ebay. (Never got burned buying a used machine. Did get burned buying used coils a couple of times.) One day I'll buy a new machine with full warranty and customer support. But right now I'm having too much fun buying low and selling a little higher.

HH

Rich

 

[johnnyboy25]

i buy only used. i'm on limited budget and this lets me aquire top end machines at a fraction of cost. my latest machine is an explorer xs with sunray probe for $475 and machine is just awesome.you can find some great deals on this and other similar sites(treasure depot is one) most guys and gals on these sites are square shooters and you get what is advertised. another way to protect yourself is by using paypal or postal moneyorder. just my opinion but i've bought and sold on this and other sites(over 10 transactions) and never had a problem.

 

[birdman]

Badger the Vaquero is working out well. It seems like a winner thus far. About this time next year I may try the tejon but the V is a winner for sure.

 

[Sandman]

If you're knocking off $100,000+ a year and the wife gives you a decent allowance from that amount then maybe you can swing all brand new machines

This is good. No wonder so many guys buy used................LOL