When buying a used nitro RC, you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal. The only way to do that is to do a thorough inspection of the nitro RC before purchasing. The NitroRCs.com inspection checklist will make it easy for you to make sure nothing is overlooked before you hand over the cash and take a used nitro RC home with you.
Read the Buyer’s Guide to Nitro RC’s to learn everything you need to know to make a confident nitro RC purchase.
Using the Inspection Checklist and other tips
Do as much inspection as you can
It is best to inspect everything on the checklist, but sometimes that just isn’t possible. Maybe you are buying on eBay or maybe it’s really cold out and the seller doesn’t want to start the engine. Whatever the reason, do as much inspection as you can focusing on components that are not easy to see in the pictures.
Communicate with the seller
You always want to ask the seller something before making the purchase or agreeing to meet up. This gives you an opportunity to gather information about the nitro RC and get a read on the seller. Be friendly and concise, but don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want to see how the seller reacts and perhaps more importantly, let them know that you are a serious buyer and that you are a real person that will be owning and operating the nitro RC. Sellers are much more likely to come clean about any issues once they get to know you a little bit.
One strategy for getting the seller on your side is to mention you are buying the nitro RC for your child or younger sibling. Most sellers will feel bad about not disclosing an issue if they think it the nitro RC is going to a kid.
Buying on eBay
It’s obviously difficult to inspect a nitro RC that is being sold on eBay. Pictures can be deceiving and hide issues and of course you are going to see the nitro RC run in person. Use the checklist to get clear on what is included and not included in the purchase and to visually identify any issues. Ask questions about components you can’t visually inspect and don’t be afraid to ask the seller for a video of the nitro RC running.
Be sure to check the seller’s profile and feedback rating to see if other buyers had a good experience with them. If they have little or no feedback, use your instincts and do your best to get a read on the seller based on how they respond to questions. You can always make the purchase through eBay regardless and rely on their buyer protections should the seller try to scam you. You want to avoid this situation though as it takes time and hassle to get your money back.
Negotiate the price before meeting up
If you are buying on Facebook Marketplace and don’t want to pay the price on the listing, negotiate before meeting up to make the purchase. Only negotiate the price further when meeting up if you get new information. If you have a change of heart after seeing the nitro RC in person even though nothing is wrong with it, just apologize for wasting their time and tell them you weren’t as serious about buying as you thought. They’ll be annoyed, but will appreciate your honesty later.
Negotiating on eBay
Some sellers on eBay allow you to make offers and if this option is available, it’s almost always a good idea to use it. Sometimes sellers will send discounted offers to everyone that is interested in their listing. If the offer is good, take it. If it’s still too high, make a counter offer. I generally think it is best to just send the offer without a message, but feel free to politely state your reasons with the offer.
Seeing the engine run
The engine is typically the most expensive component on a nitro RC and can cause a lot of headaches if it isn’t functioning properly. For this reason, it is always best to see the engine run before buying the nitro RC. A video included with the listing is great, but you never know when the video was taken or how it was edited. If you want to see the engine run in person, be sure to ask the seller if they are willing to start the engine when you meet up. I would phrase it like this:
I’m very interested in the RC. Do you think you could start it up when we meet? If so and it sounds good, I’ll buy at the price we agreed to.
Good Luck!
With these tips and the Inspection Checklist, you are ready to buy a great used nitro RC for a great price. Good luck and feel free to reach out and let me know what you bought!
Check Out the Buyer’s Guide to Nitro RCs
The Buyer’s Guide will help you figure out what kind of Nitro RC is right for you, whether you should buy new or used, and what you need to buy to start having fun with a nitro RC.