Before Buying Used Radio Controlled Vehicles

I've had both good and bad experiences with used RCs, some purchased on eBay and some obtained from friends. Our About.com Guide to Toys, Dipika Mirpuri, has a good article on general things to look for when buying a second hand toy. The advice applies to both toy and hobby-grade RC vehicles too. Checking for recalls is important, and something RC buyers probably don't even think about. In the US, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission is the place to go for up-to-date online info on recalls.

When buying used RCs online (such as on eBay) you can't always try-before-you-buy so check out the seller and the listing carefully. About.com Guide to eBay, Aron Hsiao, describes what to watch for in listings. Check to see if the seller frequently sells RCs. A seller with a good rating but who is unfamiliar with RCs may not know what he's got (which could be a good or a bad thing for you) and the description could be unintentionally misleading.

If possible, check your local retailers and hobby shops and online retailers to double-check the price of the same RC new and to see what is supposed to be included in the box. If some item that came with it new is not included with the second hand toy, it should be clearly stated and reflected in the price -- and make sure that if it is an essential item (such as a special battery pack) that you can obtain replacements.

If you are new to radio controlled vehicles, do your homework first (About.com Radio Controlled Vehicles is good place to start) and seriously consider starting with a new RC.

Here are more resources to help you make a good purchase:

• Buying New or Used (sometimes new is the better deal, includes a video)
• eBay Radio Control Vehicles Buying Guide (good but general info)