Where to look for a used Iphone?

[DVC'96]

My son's Droid phone took a dive in the pool today. He's been wanting to get an Iphone instead, so he wants to get a used one. Has anyone purchased a used one recently? I know they have them on Ebay but I'm not sure how to be sure it's not stolen. We have Verizon if that makes any difference.
Thanks

 

[clm10308]

Check with Verizon for iPhone 3 deals.

I got an iPhone 3G from AT&T for .99 back in decemberI did have to do another 2 yr contract but had no plans to change so that was fine with me

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

You can get one from eBay, you just have to be really careful.

Verizon Specific If the seller is on the up and up, they will provide you with the ESN (there is another term for ESN that I cannot remember), you can call Verizon and the will verify if the phone is in good standing and can be activated. Something as expensive as in iPhone, you definitely want to verify that it has a "clean esn" before you buy it.

Besides the ESN being clean, you really want to make sure they phone is in good physical shape...a trustworthy seller will give you an honest description. It's one of those things you have to really follow your instinct and check their feedback.

The battery is another issue...the battery isn't something you can easily replace yourself. Yes they CAN be replaced for a price and it's not a cheap price.

I bought my iPhone from eBay and it has been absolutely a great phone.

 

[sritter78]

I'm on a local swap shop through Facebook. There have been iPhones on there lately.

 

[jen22984]

try www.swappa.com

I just bought from there. they check the ESN to make sure it is not stolen or bad. and have plenty of pictures of the phones so you can tell. mine was in perfect condition!

 

[timmac]

Check with Verizon for iPhone 3 deals.

I got an iPhone 3G from AT&T for .99 back in decemberI did have to do another 2 yr contract but had no plans to change so that was fine with me

There is no such thing as an iPhone 3G(S) on Verizon, unfortunately.

OP would need to get at least an iPhone 4.

If starting a new 2 year contract is trying to be avoided, then I would say eBay is the best option. Good suggestion about checking the ESN.

While I would agree that some stolen stuff shows up on eBay, the reality is that it's only a very small fraction. Overwhelmingly it's just people who have upgraded their phones who are looking to make a few bucks on the old one.

 

[dawnn12]

until you can upgrade put his phone in pantyhose ad put it in a bag of rice keep it there for a few days(i have put it over a lamp to help the process just make sure it not hot)i have brought back to life a iphone 3 gs and a ipod doing it this way

 

[Colleen27]

I've been wondering the same. I'm having some issues with my phone and provider (MetroPCS - 2 great non-smart phones/experiences, but my cheapie Android is a lemon and I'm finding their service leaves something to be desired!) and I'm considering an iPhone and Straight Talk SIM rather than bothering with a replacement from Metro.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

Verizon's website offers used phones. In cell phone speak, they're called cpo... Certified pre owned.

You can get phones from Craig's List, also.

If you buy a phone from someone local, you should meet at a Verizon store before money changes hands. They can check the phone to be sure it isn't stolen or damaged.

Only an honest person will be willing to meet you.

Be sure you buy one specific for Verizon.

 

[kiki02]

Verizon's website offers used phones. In cell phone speak, they're called cpo... Certified pre owned.

You can get phones from Craig's List, also.

If you buy a phone from someone local, you should meet at a Verizon store before money changes hands. They can check the phone to be sure it isn't stolen or damaged.

Only an honest person will be willing to meet you.

Be sure you buy one specific for Verizon.

ebay

 

[Eljay]

I have bought a refurbished iPhone from AT&T for $49.
Worked perfectly and had a warranty.

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

I bought mine at Cowboom.com, Best Buy owns it. The inventory is always changing and I just checked out the iPhone 4's every morning until I found a decent one and bought it. The have a 30 day money back guarantee. The Verizon version starts at $269.99.
They are used.

 

[DVC'96]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. We ended up trading the upgrade of another phone on our family plan so he could get a 4S for $199(his money not mine). I told him he needs to get the Square Trade warranty so if anything happens again he is covered.
ETA: We did look into the refurbished models from Verizon but every time he would choose one it suddenly wasn't available, not sure why.