Buying used tips?

I may be buying a used laptop. What are some things I should do when examining the notebook to assure it is in the condition as described? Besides cosmetics, making sure it powers up, and checking the specs, are they any other things I should look for that would raise any red flags?

 

If you have the opportunity to actually see the laptop before buying it you can do several things before deciding to buy. Some things I can think of:

1) Most laptop makers have built-in hardware diagnostics that can be run from the boot menu. The diagnostics can take some time to run, but a quick diagnostics can take around 10 minutes to complete. This will give you an idea as to the shape of essential components like the CPU and RAM.

2) If the hard drive is mechanical, try to get HDtune installed. It can give you basic health information for a mechanical drive. You can also do a quick surface scan for damaged blocks. A full surface scan is your best option but it will take some time, maybe several hours.

3) Check battery wear level using HWmonitor. Anything over say 70% will mean the battery is going to need to be replaced soon.

4) Check for dead/stuck pixels on the display

5) Look for missing panel or chassis screws.

6) Inspect the hinge movement and check for cracked screen lids

7) Check the power adapter for cuts or tears in the cable. Also check the power receptacle on the motherboard. Make sure it is intact and makes good contact with the adapter's plug.

If there are several red flags, you can maybe bargain with the seller based on approximately how much it will cost to fix the problems. It's kind of like buying a car

 

It is JUST like buying a car.

Youtube videos showing all functionality is always a good bet online.