What to check on a used MD.

[flyin-lowe]

I came across a guy who has an AT pro that he says was bought new about 6 months ago to find a wedding band. He says he still has original paperwork and the machine still has the original batteries in it. Anyway the first price he spit out to me was $300.00. I am assuming it will be worth that I will try to get it for less if I can, if not oh well. Anyway other then the normal wear and tear issues I will be checking for is there anything that I should look for right away. I am fairly new to MD'ing and the F2 is the only one I have owned. I planned on doing an air test or two.
Also is there any feature or design on the machine that might give me an idea how old it is. I am not sure how often they change models or buttons or anything. I didn't think to ask the guy if he had an actual sales receipt, he just stated he had the original "manual and paperwork".
Any other ideas of stuff to check, test, and look for would be greatly appreciated.
I will update tomorrow morning, hopefully with pics of my new machine.

 

[John-Edmonton]

Try it out with air tests, in different modes. Submerge it is water and see if it's OK. the only way to find out how old it is, is to get the serial number and call Garrett customer service. If it is in geat working condition, $300.00 is a great price. If you don't buy it, someone else will.

 

[Joel-Winnipeg]

That a good price.

 

[flyin-lowe]

I am now in the AT Pro club. Overall the unit was is in really good shape. The only issue is that there is a small dent in the coil that may or may not have a split in it. I won't be doing any water hunting for a while. EIther way I figured worst case scenario I will buy a new coil and still have around $400 in the Pro. Looks like there is going to be a learning curve from my F2 but hopefully I will pick it up pretty quick. I have a few good spots to hunt so i want to get it down.
Off to reading and watching videos!

 

[BigCatDaddy]

Dent?? How do you dent an ATP coil? Do you mean it has a chip out of it? If it does, that's no big deal. I'll bet if you send the coil in to Garrett, they'll probably replace it free!! Either way, you made a great deal, I'd say!!

 

[Orion42]

If it is a chip or small crack, some polyester resin can take care of that.

John

 

[subcutral]

witch number is the serial number ??? # stamped on unit or hand written # on coil an unit????