Buying a used PS3

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I'm buying a used 60GB PS3 from an acquitance. It comes with Call of Duty 4, Guitar Hero III, and NBA Live 2008 for 350. A couple of concerns I have is it being broken and how he replaced the hard drive to a 100 GB. So, what can I look for to make sure it's not a dud (any common problems with 60GB systems?) and how do I determine if the system is a 60 GB model? I know the 20 GB model doesn't have the chrome, but I want o ensure I'm not gettng an 80 or a 40.
 
[quote name='Friend of Sonic']I'm buying a used 60GB PS3 from an acquitance. It comes with Call of Duty 4, Guitar Hero III, and NBA Live 2008 for 350. A couple of concerns I have is it being broken and how he replaced the hard drive to a 100 GB. So, what can I look for to make sure it's not a dud (any common problems with 60GB systems?) and how do I determine if the system is a 60 GB model? I know the 20 GB model doesn't have the chrome, but I want o ensure I'm not gettng an 80 or a 40.[/quote]

Well red flags are already raising with me. First, how well do you know this person? Is it a family friend, a friend that you've known for a long time, or just a guy off the street? Second, it seems too good to be true in my opinion. 60GB PS3's are hard to find and COD4 is new and in very high demand, along with GHIII, and NBA 2008 (which I didn't even know was out to be honest) for a mere $350? The games alone are $220 brand new altogether plus he added a 100GB hdd which cost him about $60 probably, bringing that total to around $280 for games and hdd alone brand new. So he is essentially selling the system to you for $70??? Something seems off to me.

When you say "broken" what do you mean exactly? Hard drive was broken, system wouldn't/won't turn on, system over heated, etc? If it had a system failure, you'll have to send it back to Sony to get it replaced. If the hdd broke and he put in a new one then you're golden.

Other things to consider is the condition of the system and how much it was played, where it was rested, etc. If it's in a dusty condition and seems like it was not taken care of, back away slowly. If it was only played while standing vertical, I would be very cautious as well. Do you have pics or anything?

To answer your last question, the only way I can think of to tell it apart from the other models is by looking at it (chrome on the front gives it away as either a definite 60GB or possibly an 80GB) and put in a PS2 disc. If it doesn't play PS2 games, it's a 40GB.

Bottom line dude, depending on the answers to all of the questions or concerns I have, I would probably just back away from it cause I smell something fishy.
 
40GB models have fewer USB ports (2 instead of 4).

Not sure how to tell the 80GB model and 60GB model apart cosmetically though...



Stuff's either stolen or bunk at that price.
 
[quote name='SuppaMan']40GB models have fewer USB ports (2 instead of 4).

Not sure how to tell the 80GB model and 60GB model apart cosmetically though...



Stuff's either stolen or bunk at that price.[/quote]

My thoughts exactly. I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees something wrong.
 
I believe to determine if it's a 80 or 60 you have to check the serial number on the back, too lazy for me to do it though. Also did he already register the PS3 and still have the original receipt, because if he already did that, you'll be SOL if it does break down as Sony only honors the original owner. And yes this deal does seem too good to be true.
 
I agree - that deals sounds too good to be true. You might be able to tell if it is a 60GB model by the mfg date or serial number on the system. I've had my PS3 running upright since January and have never had a problem with it. I know there's a website showing thermal pictures of the system in vertical and horizontal positions but I don't think it really matters since the fans does an excellent job of blowing the heat out of the thing. The best way to know is to obviously play a game on it for 30 minutes or longer to test the machine out.
 
[quote name='JimyD']I agree - that deals sounds too good to be true. You might be able to tell if it is a 60GB model by the mfg date or serial number on the system. I've had my PS3 running upright since January and have never had a problem with it. I know there's a website showing thermal pictures of the system in vertical and horizontal positions but I don't think it really matters since the fans does an excellent job of blowing the heat out of the thing. The best way to know is to obviously play a game on it for 30 minutes or longer to test the machine out.[/quote]

Oh I didn't mean to offend you, or anyone else fo that matter, but I have heard that the majority of problamatic PS3's were all played while they were vertical. However, I only heard/read that from like 2 sites.
 
To the above poster, I never said it was broken, but concerned that it could be. Even if it was, it looks like broken systems on Ebay sell for 150 and it could be broken.
Yes, there is a ton of red flags since it is a craigslist ad (a detail I forgot to mention) I'm wondering if he doesn't lnow what he has, or if he's basing the value of everything on EBgames trade in value. I may have to echo the sentiments of 'stolen or broken' though. Or possibly I could get robbed in the guy's house. Thoughts?
EDIT I asked and he claims to be in bad debt problems. Which means trading into EBgames doesn't help, but it doesn't prove if he's telling the truth about the system not being stolen or not.
 
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