Is there a very cost-efficient way to get a basic PCE system, so-so condition?

[Gypsy]

I am weary of "untested" listings and even moreso when it's from a seller that sells fully tested similar items.

[jperryss]

I am weary of "untested" listings and even moreso when it's from a seller that sells fully tested similar items.

Agreed. I always assume untested = not working.

[TheClash603]

I am weary of "untested" listings and even moreso when it's from a seller that sells fully tested similar items.

Agreed. I always assume untested = not working.

I always bid on untested stuff from people who's seller history doesn't show video games, these are the people selling their son's console from 20 years ago.  I've only been burnt once on an untested auction, but have done well quite a few times.  I will admit, most untested and as-is items I buy are games, which have less chance for failure.

[cueball1897]

It was yamatoku-classic that sent me a Tennokoe 2...complete with batteries that had to have exploded at least a decade before the sale. The battery compartment was badly damaged, and I suspect the unit itself needs repair as there's a burn mark on the PCB at the power input.

Would it have killed them to open the battery compartment before selling it? Or maybe they did, and figured "UNTESTED" could mean "TOTALLY AND OBVIOUSLY HOSED BUT SCREW YOU LOL". At least I got a full refund.

They even make a big deal about how they can't ship batteries internationally. 

[Gypsy]

I am weary of "untested" listings and even moreso when it's from a seller that sells fully tested similar items.

Agreed. I always assume untested = not working.

I always bid on untested stuff from people who's seller history doesn't show video games, these are the people selling their son's console from 20 years ago.  I've only been burnt once on an untested auction, but have done well quite a few times.  I will admit, most untested and as-is items I buy are games, which have less chance for failure.

Right. I'll take chances on what I feel is legitimately untested stuff as well.