Buying a Vaio Z off Craigslist (Factory Sealed box)

So, after having my clearanced Vaio Z order cancelled by Sonystyle, I am back in the market for a Z. I found someone on craigslist selling one for 1500 a Z550... He says it's new in box factory sealed. I am slightly hesitant of buying things on craigslist, just because it's hard to trust people now days. Should I be worried about anything? Can I get the warranty transfered over? I will have to drive almost 2 and a half hours to pick it up, but it will still be less than any "deals" I have seen on a Vaio Z. Should I ask him to take a picture actually proving that he owns it? (Isn't that why they make those rules in the buy/sell forum where you have to have a piece of paper with your screen name on it?)
thanks for any advice/tips

 

Well, the upside of buying on craigslist vs buying on eBay is that you can see it in person. The 2-hour drive does kinda suck, but if you think it's worth the gas money to at least see it (definitely have the box opened and check to make sure everything works before buying - ask for invoice/receipt). The warranty transfer can only be done by the original person by sending mail to Sony, I think - but if they haven't registered the warranty yet, then you should be able to register it to yourself.

 

i bought my old tz150 off of craigslist made a 1 hour trip like you also. Opened the box tested out everything. And had the warranty transfered and never had a problem with it. But you never know nowadays. If something is too good to be true most likely it is. I I were you I would buy the Z from like Amazon the lowest spec one is like 1672 where you get a 2.24 cpu 120 gig hdd and 1 gig of ram. The CPU doesn't really have a big diffrence from 2.24 to 2.4 if your like me the HDD doesn't matter because eventually Im going to be upgrading to a SSD super talent 128GB can be had for under 300 still a little expensive for me. And you can always upgrade the ram yourself. If your buying through Amazon you get the piece of mind of a 30 day return policy and knowing your warranty is legit. But to each their own. Sign up for free Amazon trial and get next day shipping for 3.99 like I did =p

 

A Z550 for $1500 = too good to be true.

Dont risk your life, and gas money for this.

 

Think about it though. If he didn't sell his "NEW" Z550 for a bit less than the online or retails stores, who is going to buy from him? Will you still buy from him if he sells it at the same price as Amazon.com, for example?

 

Well he was originally asking $1600 and I told him I would offer $1500 expecting him to come back with $1550. He said "I can do $1500, ill accept that, call me."
I am definitely not trying to get scammed, and it is a long drive and about $50 worth of gas, wasted gas if it is unsuccessful. Piece of mind is worth a lot a lot to me, but the price difference is a couple hundred dollars and for a college student that can be a lot . I haven't called him yet and decided to ask for everyones opinions here. I appreciate everyones feedback, and hope to hear more... Still weighing the pros and cons.
Also, considering that the Z series was on selling for $1600 on amazon (despite it being a lesser model) a little while back the prices doesnt seem THAT unreasonable does it?

 

Why not? You can find some amazing deals from desperate people .
I think you should ask for pictures first before going ahead. But be quick about it if you decide to go for it.

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EHFZYE?smid=A256KD9C1BPC5J&tag=cnet-ce-20&linkCode=asn

link to deal

 

i agree.

this deal doesn't seem 'too good to be true', seeing as amazon was selling the z550 for $1,680 a few weeks back. perhaps he got it then, decided to go another direction and figured it was worth losing $80 on it when he originally posted it for sale.

either way, it's a little risky... and is he going to allow you to break the sony seal and inspect it before you purchase?

 

If he truly got it 2 weeks ago (when it was 1680) than he can easily return it for full refund.. (Even if this was 3 weeks ago, Amazon is VERY good in full refunds if you shoot off an email to CS)

But If you're truly driving there 2 hours + to a stranger's house in another city, make sure u turn the Z on and USE it for surfing, etc.. (could he have taken components out you wont necesarily notice, inspect device manager)

 

maybe he stole it from someone who got it from amazon for $1,680?

 

Probably. Something isn't right on the plate, that's for sure..

If he cannot produce a pic taken at home with handwritten sn than it's not worth the risk

 

Boy am I indecisive, after further analyzing my current situation, and taking a REALISTIC look at my current needs in a laptop, I have decided against this Z on craigslist, as well as a Vaio Z in general.
In case anyone cares why. I have a 15.4 inch laptop which is 2 years dated, but is able to perform all the necessary functions that I require of it. My only gripes with this current laptop is I don't find it portable enough, and even if it were, the fan is so loud and obnoxious I don't think it would be appropriate in a classroom environment. Being a college student, currently without a job, and the $1500 spent on this laptop would be the equivalent to 2 months expenses. I just find it hard to justify, no matter how hard I lie and kid myself.
For now, I will reluctantly settle for a netbook for taking notes, and performing basic operations, which realistically is all I needed. The Z would just be a very nice looking, well built, powerful, and attractive toy for me that quite frankly is overqualified for the task at a premium I cannot afford. So for now ill be just be envious of all you Z owners. If anyone is interested, this is off the Seattle Craigslist...
Again, thanks for everyones input.

 

If you make the trip just make sure to go packing. If you don't have a piece I strongly suggest getting one - I never leave home without it!

 

yah get a wind or the new samsung nc10

 

take a bat if you do go there was a person selling one here as well in vancouver, saying that he got 2 from his uncle, one for him, one for his bro.

 

Bat = no.

"Don't bring a knife to a gunfight"