08M3SedanSki Senior Member Joined: 2 Dec 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Atlanta Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Dec 2, 2008, 6:41am Subject: Lesson Learned - Beware used machines (WAS: Used Nuova Simonelli Mac 2000 V1)
ORIGINAL POST: I have the opportunity to purchase a lightly used Mac 2000 V1 for $1200. I was considering a Vivaldi II but don't really want to spend that much. I currently have a Briel Charmonix so either would be a big step up. I am also considering the Compak K3 Touch. Any opinions on what I should do?
Thanks for any advice.
Kevin
UPDATE:
The craigslist ad read:
"Only used for 2-3 months at a small church (attendance 60, open twice a week) so the usage is extremely minimal.
Mac 2000 V1 Automatic Original Price: 2890.00"
I went to pick it up and had it in my trunk but was starting to get concerned because it looked more "used" than I expected. I had asked the seller to bring their original receipt so that I could potentially get any remaining warrenty and they agreed. So before handing over the $1200 I asked to see the receipt. They handed it to me and it showed they had purchased the unit refurbished for $1500! So what they really meant was that it had been used by them for only 2-3 months at a small church... they had no idea of it's prior life. I politely told the seller that they had misled me in their ad and that I wouldn't be completing the transaction. I helped them put it back in their car and then I drove away. Whew! Close call.
So when I got home from work tonight I ordered the new Expobar Brewtus III with PID and Rotary Pump, a Compak K-3 Touch, pictchers, knock box, thermometer, and a great assortment of coffee. With 10% discount my total bill was under $2400. Don't mess with me... :)
Posted Wed Dec 3, 2008, 4:28am Subject: Re: Lesson Learned - Beware used machines
08M3SedanSki Said:
So when I got home from work tonight I ordered the new Expobar Brewtus III with PID and Rotary Pump, a Compak K-3 Touch, pictchers, knock box, thermometer, and a great assortment of coffee. With 10% discount my total bill was under $2400. Don't mess with me... :)
calblacksmith Senior Member Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 707 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: 2 SJs, NS MCD 65, Solis 166 Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Wed Dec 3, 2008, 6:28am Subject: Re: Lesson Learned - Beware used machines
If that machine had truly been refurbished, all would be well. Commercial machines are built like tanks and there is little to worry about, esp if there is a company standing behind it.
The NEW price was indeed likely what they stated but if you reprinted the full add, they did NOT say that they paid that price, though it could have been taken that way. The machine was still worth what you were going to pay for it and as in used cars, you NEVER know the true history of ANY item you buy used. A few more questions from you on the phone before going to buy the used machine might have cleared up this issue and you could have possibly reached a different price point on the used machine with equally happy results and 1K less spent.
I think the Simonelli was a better machine and was the next level up from the Brewtus with volumetric dosing (once you have it, you will never go back willingly!) commercial parts and build. It is true it is a HX machine and the Brewtus is a dual boiler but for me that is not a big deal, once you learn your machine, you would not have trouble with either pulling a great shot. but if you were not happy with a deal it is best to walk away, though I think it was just a supprise about the refurb, instead of being brand new for less than half of new price. If something looks too good on the surface, dig deeper, to find out all you can about a deal. This does not mean that the deal is bad, just different than your first impression.
It sounds like you are more comfortable with the Brewtus so congrats on that purchase, I hope you have many many happy years together.
Oh btw, the Brewtus3 is listed with a vibe pump so unless you paid extra to get the rotary........
08M3SedanSki Senior Member Joined: 2 Dec 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Atlanta Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Wed Dec 3, 2008, 6:53am Subject: Re: Lesson Learned - Beware used machines
Interesting perspective. What I had not mentioned is that I had previously offered $800 based on the fact that it was a discontinued machine so parts could become a problem. They held firm based on "great condition" of the machine. I even told them at the time I called off the deal that the machine may still be worth $1200 but based on their misleading communications I no longer trusted them. BTW, I purchased the Brewtus III R for $1800 delivered, the rest of the difference was for items I needed either way. Thanks for your input.
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