How to Safely Buy Pre-Owned Xbox One Consoles on eBay and Facebook
With the market flooded with used hardware, picking up an Xbox One is cheaper than ever. However, buying a pre-owned console can be a minefield of hidden hardware failures and account bans. Whether you’re hunting on eBay or scrolling through Facebook Marketplace, you need a plan to ensure you aren’t buying an expensive paperweight.
At AwesomeGaming101.com, we’ve bought and refurbished dozens of consoles. Here is our expert checklist for a safe, successful purchase.
eBay: The Safe Bet
Best for those who want buyer protection. If the console arrives broken, eBay’s Money Back Guarantee has your back. Always check the “Sold” listings to see the actual market price and avoid “Stock Photos.”
Facebook: The Bargain Bin
Best for local deals and avoiding shipping costs. There is no protection once money changes hands, but you can test the console in person before paying. Always meet in a public, safe exchange zone.
The Essential Testing Checklist
🚨 Before You Pay, Check These 3 Things:
- The “Banned” Check: If a console is banned from Xbox Live, it cannot play online. Ask the seller for a video of the console successfully signing into a profile and opening the Microsoft Store.
- The Disc Drive: Bring a cheap DVD or game. Ensure it pulls the disc in smoothly and reads it without a grinding noise.
- Warranty Seals: Look for the small stickers over the screw holes. If they are missing or tampered with, someone has been inside the console, and you don’t know the quality of their work.
Price Guide: What to Pay
| Model | Fair Price (Console Only) | With Controller/Cables |
|---|---|---|
| Original Xbox One | $50 – $70 | $85 – $100 |
| Xbox One S | $80 – $110 | $120 – $140 |
| Xbox One X | $130 – $160 | $170 – $200 |
❓ FAQ: Buying Used Consoles
Q: Should I buy a console bundled with digital games? A: No. Digital games are tied to the seller’s account. They can recover that account at any time, leaving you with nothing. Only pay for the hardware and physical discs. Q: What if the seller says it just needs a “simple update”? A: This is usually a red flag for a failing hard drive. If the console can’t complete an update, it’s often because the internal storage is dying. Unless you’re comfortable replacing the HDD yourself, stay away. Q: How do I check if the HDMI port is good? A: Use your phone’s flashlight to look inside the port. If the pins look bent or the port feels “wobbly” when you plug a cable in, the console will likely lose its video signal soon.Final Verdict
If you find a local deal on Facebook Marketplace where you can see the console running, that’s your best bet for a bargain. Otherwise, stick to eBay sellers with 99%+ feedback. A few extra dollars for buyer protection is worth the peace of mind.
Found a listing but not sure if it’s a good deal? Drop the details in the comments and the community will help you vet it! And if your new-to-you console is a bit dusty, don’t miss our guide on How to Deep Clean Your Xbox One.