Is this deal worth it?

saw this laptop on a marketplace they’re selling it for 14,500 peso (246usd), a brandnew one would cost 35,000 peso (595 usd)

Specs:

Model: MacBook Air M1 (2020)

Storage: 256GB SSD

RAM: 8GB

Battery Cycle Count: 160

Battery Health: 95%

Condition & Issues:

LCD: Lines visible only on very dark backgrounds; functionality unaffected.

Bezel: Missing but does not affect screen performance.

Touch ID: Not working; login via password works fine.

Exterior: Dents and scratches (see photos), no impact on performance.

Yes, it definitely looks stolen. It seems the previous owner put up quite a fight but unfortunately lost.

I’d avoid this deal.

Based on the description, I wouldn’t go for it. It sounds like it’s been heavily used and not worth the asking price, especially with significant damage that’s more than just cosmetic. I’d steer clear unless you can repair a MacBook yourself and negotiate the price down significantly.

@Kai
If the damage doesn’t significantly affect the laptop’s functionality, it could be considered just cosmetic.

Scout said:
@Kai
If the damage doesn’t significantly affect the laptop’s functionality, it could be considered just cosmetic.

The structural integrity might be compromised, though.

Jasper said:

Scout said:
@Kai
If the damage doesn’t significantly affect the laptop’s functionality, it could be considered just cosmetic.

The structural integrity might be compromised, though.

What kind of structural integrity does a laptop really need anyway? It’s not like it’s a vehicle subjected to constant bumps.

@Taliesin
It’s still a laptop that’s being carried around, not a stationary object.

Fay said:
@Taliesin
It’s still a laptop that’s being carried around, not a stationary object.

Fair point. It does make the first dent less painful, I suppose.

Taliesin said:

Fay said:
@Taliesin
It’s still a laptop that’s being carried around, not a stationary object.

Fair point. It does make the first dent less painful, I suppose.

What happens when it falls apart after a minor bump because it’s already weakened?

It looks more stolen than a steal.

Scout said:
@Kai
If the damage doesn’t significantly affect the laptop’s functionality, it could be considered just cosmetic.

The LCD is already damaged, and it’s likely just a matter of time until it completely fails.

Scout said:
@Kai
If the damage doesn’t significantly affect the laptop’s functionality, it could be considered just cosmetic.

It looks like the screen has already been replaced once, and not very well at that.

$246 for a heavily used MacBook with only 256GB SSD seems steep. I’d rather save up for a better computer.

How do people even manage to damage their laptops this much? I’ve used mine as a makeshift cutting board during intense gaming sessions and it still looks better than this.

I wouldn’t pay more than $50 for that damaged machine.

It looks like a Frankenstein’s MacBook.

It’s not a steal, it’s practically one foot in the recycling bin.

It’s overpriced. The screen could fail at any moment. I wouldn’t pay more than $100 for it, maybe $150 tops, and even then only to salvage parts like the screen for $50.

While ‘steal’ might be a strong word, for a small amount of money, you do get a MacBook, if you’re okay with its heavily used condition.