Stereo & Electronics - refurbished stereo units

just wondering - how good/bad are these units? what is a refurbished unit anyway; my guess is a used one with worn parts thrown out and replaced with new ones. are they worth the asking price (usually 50% or so of a new unit?)

anyone bought one and has any feedback?

thanks

I've got one in my car right now. Panasonic 9701u I think. It works fine. No issues. I also have had used stuff...Clarion DXZ815mp to be exact that I used for 2 years without issue. I guess if you buy a quality HU...Alpine, Clarion, Eclipse, Kenwood, etc....you will probably be o.k. I haven't had issues but that doesn't mean someone hasn't. Good luck!!

Refurbished means the unit broke under warrantee (usually less than a year old) and was sent back to the factory and repaired. They often carry a full warrantee, same as brand new. But since they were repaired the manufacturer cannot sell these as new units. So you get a discount.

I think they are likely to be more reliable than a brand new unit, because it has already been burned-in, so to speak. The last guy already found the bad component(s). It is highly unlikely that the defect that was repaired will go out again.

A defective electrical component will usually show itself within the first 30 days of use. That's why extended warrantees on electronics is such a rip-off.

As long as there's no cosmetic damage (the faceplate is rather visible in the car) and it carries a full like-new warranty, I don't see any reason not to buy one.

i remember a bunch of people arguing against buying them since they were "refurbished" but i didnt know why. hmm. might go for one then

i remember a bunch of people arguing against buying them since they were "refurbished" but i didnt know why. hmm. might go for one then

Probably because they have already been handled and possibly scratched. Like the guy said above earlier though if it looks good than there shouldn't be a problem.

Like buying a used car (like a C6 Z06) with only 4k miles on it.

Of course the car has probably been driven at no less than 5,000 RPMs for the entire course of those 4,000 miles but stereos aren't cars.

Eeeegg, the guy probably never even bothered to push the clutch in when he changed gears, just revved the sucker and moved the shifter....