Any Experience with "Recertified" Nikons?

[codeyf]

Any thoughts or experience on recertified Nikons? I'm wary about them only having a 90-day warranty. But the price on the recert Nikons is very nice, and would allow for some extras like a nice bag, a large mem card, and maybe an xtra batt to go with it.

This will be my first step in to the realm of dSLR cams, and as anyone else, I want the best deal without getting hosed. 90 days just seems awfully short...

Comes down to:

Refurb, 90-day warranty - Multiple Places $399-ish
New, 1-year warranty - Multiple Places $479-ish
New, 2-year warranty - Costco $479 + tax ($520, free 2gb SD card, 2nd year warranty)

 

[jpeyton]

Amazon is $479 with free shipping.

Any particular reason you chose the D40? Considered buying a used one?

 

[codeyf]

Prefer the feel of it much better than the XT/XTi and the price is right.

I have to pay tax for Amazon, so at that price + tax costco is waaaay better (free 2gb card and 2nd year warranty).

 

[troytime]

2gb sd card is $10 shipped (or less)

you can get a new one at abes of maine for 475 and free ground shipping
plus 1.5% cash back at fatwallet

 

[codeyf]

Updated OP since the focus (har har) on replies seems to be off a tad...

 

[tdawg]

Originally posted by: codeyf
Any thoughts or experience on recertified Nikons? I'm wary about them only having a 90-day warranty. But the price on the recert Nikons is very nice, and would allow for some extras like a nice bag, a large mem card, and maybe an xtra batt to go with it.

Will be choosing between one of the following:

Refurb, 90-day warranty - Newegg $399
New, 1-year warranty - Multiple Places $479-ish
New, 2-year warranty - Costco $520 after tax ($479 + tax, free 2gb SD card, 2nd year warranty)

This will be my first step in to the realm of dSLR cams, and as anyone else, I want the best deal without getting hosed. 90 days just seems awfully short...

My first dSLR was a refurbished D100, bought used off fredmiranda.com, I think. That thing worked like a charm from day one--I still have regrets that I sold it. You just have to decide if 9 months of warranty is worth the $80 or so. If the peace of mind will cause you less worry, then I'd say a new one is worth it. Does the refurb model come with the kit lens, or is it body only?

 

[soydios]

my 18-200mm VR is a "Nikon Factory Demo" which came with a 90-day warranty. it has performed superbly.

 

[pennylane]

My D50 is a Recertified Nikon or something. It's performed absolutely perfectly in the 9 or so months I've had it (knock on wood).

 

[codeyf]

Originally posted by: tdawg

Originally posted by: codeyf
Any thoughts or experience on recertified Nikons? I'm wary about them only having a 90-day warranty. But the price on the recert Nikons is very nice, and would allow for some extras like a nice bag, a large mem card, and maybe an xtra batt to go with it.

Will be choosing between one of the following:

Refurb, 90-day warranty - Newegg $399
New, 1-year warranty - Multiple Places $479-ish
New, 2-year warranty - Costco $520 after tax ($479 + tax, free 2gb SD card, 2nd year warranty)

This will be my first step in to the realm of dSLR cams, and as anyone else, I want the best deal without getting hosed. 90 days just seems awfully short...

My first dSLR was a refurbished D100, bought used off fredmiranda.com, I think. That thing worked like a charm from day one--I still have regrets that I sold it. You just have to decide if 9 months of warranty is worth the $80 or so. If the peace of mind will cause you less worry, then I'd say a new one is worth it. Does the refurb model come with the kit lens, or is it body only?

It's the full kit, with everything it comes with new sans the retail box (plain nikon box).

Recertified Nikon D40

 

[codeyf]

Well, I think I'm going to go with the recertified. I've read a few threads on photog forums that had good things to say about their recerts. For ~$450 delivered I can get the kit, a 4gb card, a set of filters, nice cleaning cloth, and a nice compact bag. Didn't realize my co-worker bought his XT refurb'd and has been using it for 2+ years now.

Can't wait to take some pics!

 

[jpeyton]

I've had great experiences buying used; just got this for $450 off Craigslist tonight:

Nikon D70s
AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm
Battery/Charger
Cables
Sandisk Ultra II 2GB
Manuals/Papers
D70 "Field Guide"
Set Of Filters

I'm a big fan of the D70s (my GF has one); it should be a great backup body, and I'm looking forward to trying out the 18-70mm.