LCD TV help

[mike55]

I'm looking on CL for used LCD TVs. I'm not a big TV or movie watcher, so I don't think I need all the bells and whistles that come with the higher-end offerings.

I'm looking for a good, budget priced make in the 32" size, 720p. With the advent of LED backlighting, the current and older CCFT models are coming down in price, making used ones even cheaper.

So the questions are 1) what's considered too old or used to be reliable i.e. age or hours used? 2) any brands to stay away from, new or used? 3) any brands recommended above others? 4) going rate for 32" screens. I've seen used ones in the $300-400 range here in B.C.

Anyone here have one for sale??????

[Joeaksa]

Go to Costco and get one on sale for about that price. The warranty there is excellent and price hard to beat.

[stomachmonkey]

What Joe said.

For $300-$400 you should have no problem finding something that suits your needs, is new and has a warranty.

If no Costco check Walmart.

My local Best Buys always have a table up front with open box returns, display units etc... available at good discounts.

[Joeaksa]

Also think of charging it on an AmEx or other high end credit card that has a "warranty extension" program.

AmEx gives it to you for free on many cards and it doubles the factory (or store) warranty for FREE, and thats a big help.

[mike55]

Thanks guys. I looked at new ones. The secondary manufacturers like Insignia, Vizio, VisionQuest, and many others range in price from $350 -$500. And the AMEX tip is a good one too.

WRT to the top brands - Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, LG, Toshiba - the prices go up $200 or more.

Sounds like used is not the way to go given the price difference and the uncertainty. I'm after an inexpensive one for my oldest daughter; so she might get more than she asked for after all....

[Heel n Toe]

You might get some helpful info here... sounds like your prices are higher in B.C., though. Check mailorder prices from Best Buy, Costco, or Walmart.

Researching 32" LCD TV's...

[Dueller]

Wouldn't be afraid of Vizio...purchased 2 37" 720's for wife's restaurant dining area about 2 years ago to show news networks and they have been played 12+ hours per day 7 days a week. Still going strong. Conversely have an LG in the bar area that has been in the shop 4 times in the past 3 years. Power switch keeps going out.

Had a Magnavox at home that died after 4 months. Replaced with a Samsung.

YMMV

EDIT: Now that I think about it the Vizios are 3 years old.

[porsche4life]

My dad has a 42" Vizio that he has had for 2 yrs now... Its great. Not one problem with it... He is about to buy a 32" for another room. I know the 32" Vizios at Sams now are going for less than $400

[stomachmonkey]

What's wrong with Vizio?

Have a couple dozen here in the office and a bunch that travel to our trade shows with no issues.

In terms of market share they are the number 1 manufacturer in the states.

[mike55]

I found a factory refurbished Samsung, LN-S3292D. Used for about 8 months. Does all I'd need and still has the balance of warranty. $300

I've heard pretty good things about Vizio as well. Might check one out before looking at this one.

[stomachmonkey]

I have a 65 in Samsung in the den. Great TV.

Have a smaller 26 in the bedroom. Sound sucks. The speakers are on the back and point down. Sounds really thin. On screen menu is useless from bed. Can't tell what channel it's on or read anything else on the display.

Seriously Mike. It's clear that TV is not a major deal for you so it's only worth so much in terms of money but go to a store and take them for a test drive.

There are good deals out there on new especially this time of year.

[Heel n Toe]

Originally Posted by mike55

I found a factory refurbished Samsung, LN-S3292D. Used for about 8 months. Does all I'd need and still has the balance of warranty. $300

Found it on Craigslist or somewhere else online? Either way, make sure the claim that it's factory refurbished is legit.

[mike55]

John, I found it along with a few others on CL. On any used TV, I'll ask for the original bill of sale to verify age and origin. With CL, you never know where they came from! My main concern is how well 2 or 3 year old, used LCD TVs perform and how much life they have left in them. It's amazing how many people claim that the TV they're selling has seen "little" use.

I did look into the Vizio, and they look pretty good too. With seasonal sales starting up, new will be the better way to go anyway....

[Joeaksa]

Costco has 3 32" televisions brand new for $350 or less.

Costco - Electronics - Televisions

Why buy used when you can get new for $50 or less extra. And it comes with a full warranty and you can take it back ANYTIME if needed. Try that on a used TV from CL.

Up to you but there are sometimes I do not scrimp on paying an extra buck or three.

JoeA

[mike55]

Joe, thanks. Up here the cheapest 32" at Costco is a Haier for $399.

It's not so much scrimping as it is saving. This would be a 3rd TV in the house. The other 2 were bought new and I've never bought a used LCD before. However, I'm inclined to wait a couple of weeks and buy new when the pre-Xmas sales start up..

[Joeaksa]

Mike,

Would agree on waiting a few weeks.

Everyone should be putting out holiday things by then.

[red-beard]

I would wait until Dec 26th, if you can.

[targa911S]

I have a 46" Toshiba Regza......we love it. No probs.

[mike55]

Originally Posted by red-beard

I would wait until Dec 26th, if you can.

..ahhh Boxing Day mayhem. At the electronics stores, it's a zoo and the selection can be pretty poor. Pre-Xmas sales should be starting in the next 2 weeks when there's good prices and better selection.

I went to look at the Samsung I mentioned and it was obvious it was well used. The guy dropped his price to $275 and I still passed.

If any Pelican has a 27" or 32" for sale, I'm open to that as well. Otherwise, it's a new one.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Just ask yourself.......why is someone selling a fairly new tv? Electronics like to develop intermittent problems before they totally crap out. Problems that you might not notice during your "test drive". Either that or it's stolen. I love CL, but I would never buy a TV on there.