Buying Second hand ..... is it always so expensive

[jimmyhorns]

On a more positive note im just finishing putting together a 'second hand' Compass Knight 3D, which is almost all second hand:

Airframe - Not fully assembled and never flown (Stripped and re-assembled) (no issues)
Engine - Second hand from my hawk 50 which was second hand (no issues)
Receiver - Second hand but never used, flown in my hawk, no issues
Servos - Second hand, tested ok
Telemetry - Second hand working fine in my hawk
Gyro - Second hand, tested no issues
Battery - New LiFe, cycles fine

All of this together cost me less than half the retail price, even though half of this was either Brand New In Box or never been used.

So you can do it, and you can do it sensibly, safely, and properly, but you need to know what to look for and be accepting of the risks. The benefit of doing it this way is that you still get to choose your components, which you dont with a second hand 'bind n fly'

[dillwhacker]

I think all my helis have come from respected members on here - three 450s, three 500s and a 550 - they have all been spot on TBH, no complaints at all.
Only gripe is excessive loctite, as said.
Wouldn't trust unknown sellers on fleabay at all though.

[helijohn]

My first was a used heli from a reputable dealer and looking back I can say it was only an average to poor machine. I would not buy that poor a machine nowadays unless it was dirt cheap. So much for local heli shops.
After that I built a good number maybe about 8 from new. But now I know what it takes to build I can buy used with more confidence and I do buy used. Some of it is to do with the fact if it is used I feel happier to cut and shut.
I'm happy to buy off eBay and would in general recommend it if you have some insight.
If I get a duff one, or one misdescribed it goes back. Interestingly I've had two one after the other like that then (lies in the descriptions) the third was an unbuilt kit with all the stuff and more...........I sold a lot on and it covered the cost almost completely, things like Tx and so on.
I take into account the possible wear.......I ask a lot of questions...............I look at the spec.
My biggest problem with eBay is the liars and misdescriptions in listings.
Some ask over the odds and I'd rather get new if spending big money.