100If you’re working on a constrained budget and are looking for a good quality detector for a cheaper price, your best option is to buy a used metal detector. The good thing is that many enthusiasts are eager to upgrade to the latest models, so the market never runs out of excellent quality used metal detectors.
If you do enough research, you can easily get a high-quality used metal detector at half the original price or even less. But how should you go about finding and purchasing one? Let’s take a look at that.
What to Look For When Buying Used
Buying a used metal detector is no easy task. There are several things you need to consider to ensure you don’t end up with a broken or defective unit.
Check the Condition
The first step when buying a used detector is to assess its condition. You can do this by checking that there are no visible scratches or cracks on the shaft, search coil, or screen. This is important as cracks and fractures on the unit can significantly compromise its performance.
Test the Detector
After you’ve confirmed that the unit doesn’t have any cracks on the surface, you need to test it to ensure everything works as expected. Firstly, check that the handle is strong enough and gives you a firm but comfortable grip. Then try adjusting the shaft to make sure there is a full range of movement.
You should also try sweeping the coil over different types of metals to see if it picks them up accurately and precisely. Also, make sure it is sounding off correctly for each type of metal and confirm the readings on the screen for accuracy. Then test out all of the controls, including the buttons to see if they’re working as required.
Safety First
If you’re meeting with the seller in person, meet in a public place. This will not only ensure you stay safe, but it also wards off the potential for scamming or sketchy deals.
Confirm How Long It Was Used
You need to know about the unit’s previous usage. From how frequent it was used to what terrain it was used most often on. This will clue you in to whether you’re buying an older or newer unit, and how long it’s likely to serve you.
Consider Buying One in Original Packaging
This ensures you’re buying a complete package plus the manufacturer’s serial on the box can come in handy in the future.
Warranty
It’s also equally important to confirm what the warranty covers, as some manufacturers offer lifetime coverage on parts in case they get damaged. This can save you money on repairs in the long run.
Best Places to Buy Used
While there are many places you can buy second-hand metal detectors, not all of them can be trusted. If you’re not careful, you can easily get scammed or sold a faulty device. So, when it comes to buying used metal detectors, your best option is to shop from a reputable dealer.
eBay
While most of the metal detectors offered on eBay are new models, you should be able to find an amazing deal if you’re patient enough. It is a trustworthy site that is filled with options and the right bargain will slide your way if you just wait.
Amazon
Just like eBay, Amazon also stocks plenty of amazing new and used metal detectors. To find used models on offer, you should click on the “Used & New” link that is located below the price of new models.
Local Newspaper Classifieds
You should also be able to find amazing deals on your local newspaper’s classified page. This one may take some time, especially if you’re looking for a specific detector model or brand.
Metal Detecting Retailers
Many reputable retailers offer amazing deals on used and refurbished metal detectors. While it can cost a bit more using a dealer, you can contact them in case the device doesn’t meet your expectation.
Online Marketplaces
There are plenty of used electronics posted up on Facebook’s marketplace and Craigslist’s Classified ads page each day. If you browse carefully through the various listings, you can likely find a quality detector from a local seller.
You should be quick enough to get the best deal as they usually sell pretty fast on these marketplaces. Though make sure to fully vet the seller so you don’t get caught up in a bad situation.
Average cost for a used metal detector
For a new metal detector, you should expect to pay anything between 100 up to several thousand dollars depending on the quality of the detector. You can read all about my 100 dollar and below recommendations here. However, if you’re considering buying a second-hand detector that’s of higher quality, Id start looking at used versions of any of these detecting models. You can expect to save up to 50 or 75 percent off the price of a new model.
Disadvantages of buying a used metal detector
While buying a second-hand metal detector can save you tons of money, it can also come with a few downsides.
It Can Have Defects
Metal detectors are mostly used for searching in tough terrains, which makes it difficult to keep it in excellent condition. As such, you can end up buying a nice-looking device that has hidden defects such as fractures and cracks in the coil, which can significantly affect the device’s performance.
It Can Be Costly
Buying a badly maintained used metal detector can be a costly purchase as it can be more expensive to fix it every time something goes wrong than just getting a new model. This is especially true if you buy an advanced model, as some of the replacement parts are quite expensive and difficult to find. If this worries you, and you have a little more money to spend, I’d check out some of these cheaper options that aren’t used.
Hard to Find Reputable Sellers
While there are many metal detector sellers out there, it can be difficult to find one that will give you a refund or a replacement in case anything goes wrong. This is mainly due to them being individual sellers who don’t have replacement parts or who will be willing to offer refunds.
As such, you can’t be sure how long the model you’re buying will serve you. Therefore, it’s important to buy from a trusted store where you could get a refund in the event your purchase is defective.
Reduced Accuracy
Since you can’t be 100 percent sure how long the unit has been in use, you may end up buying an old device that isn’t up to the tasks you need from it. Most old units don’t offer the level of accuracy provided by newer models as their efficiency is compromised with prolonged use.
Really getting into metal detecting comes with a bit price tag sometimes. Though it is an exciting and rewarding pastime, you’ll need to invest in the equipment if you want something higher quality. “How to buy a used metal detector” was one of the first searches I made on Google when I got started too. It can be difficult to drop so much money on a hobby in the beginning, so I hope this article helps a lot !
