Im curious what you guys look for when buying used ESCs and motors? I always look at the case, does it smell....but besides that what can you do to protect yourself from getting a bad one.

You must be talking from buying from your LHS. I have bought stuff from RCTech members a few times. You obviously have to put a lot of trust in the condition promised in the ad and research the person's trader history.

I will say this, a few of the things I have purchased from members here, the packaging has been awful (not you RKHess).. Not sure why guys do it that way, everything I have sold, I take pride in my packaging knowing if I was on the receiving end of that, I would like to see it show up in the mail well packaged even if it costs me an extra couple of bucks. One ESC I got in a tiny box it didn't fit in, zero packaging. The last motor I bought was literally put in a small shipping bag and rolled up, zero box, next to no protection, no sensor wire as pictured. All items worked fine, but I sure wish folks would put a bit more effort into how you package stuff!

Rant about packaging off, ask a lot of questions if you have to. I do trust trader ratings here though. I think people take a lot more pride in their RCTech trader ratings than eBay ratings.

I don't buy used electronics. There doesn't seem to be a lot of great deals on ebay anymore. Occasionally, I'll see something, but for a few more bucks the same item can be purchased brand new. Besides, there are some great lesser known brand electronics (Speed Passion, Hobbywing, do I dare say Turnigy???) that are a fraction of the price of well established brands and are essentially the same item with minimal differences unnoticeable to the average racer.

Be cautious buying the Chinese stuff (Turnigy, Hobby King, etc). You get what you pay for! If you're serious about racing, buy the quality stuff from the start. Otherwise you'll spend more money replacing everything like I did. I've since replaced everything in my cars and the difference to me is night and day.

Most of the ESC's are made in China by the same factories, but the bigger companies have much better quality control over the final product.

I absolutely agree about ebay, there are hardly every any deals anymore, people try and charge new or next to new prices. No, your 10 year old Novak no-model 13.5 motor is not worth $75 sorry to tell you lol.

If a friend or local has a used ESC or motor I want or can use, I will purchase from them before venturing to Ebay or forums like this. Used electronics are kind of a hit or miss IMO.

Turnigy, OTOH, is a great inexpensive brand for me...I recently picked up a sensored system for my truggy and my 22 has a Trackstar sensored motor along with a Trackstar brushless HV servo.

A Tekin system is about twice as much.....as ALL my Trackstar electronics!
I hope to be serious about racing in the near future but for now, I'll just get what I pay for.

1) no cracks - if it is cracked then it got hot, or crashed really hard, possible alignment issues
2) definitely no smells
3) is it complete, ESC - wires, capacitor. MOTOR - scratched, sensor cable

I do not buy used motors because if someone is selling then it's because they did not like it (to slow, gets hot, etc.)

ESC's I usually only buy top brands if used.

Motors: nobody ever sells their favorite motors.

Worth noting, you can send rotors to trinity to be zapped/remagnetized.

I buy used electronics all the time.

1) Pay through paypal and you are covered
2) dont buy anything that doesnt visually look perfect

I get great deals on Ebay all the time, you just have to know how to properly use the search to find them.

I buy and sell electronics on here quite often and have had great luck. I would never sell a motor or ESC that I wouldnt put in my own car and run. At my local track we have people that are always switching brands looking for the next best thing, ( its VERY competitive) and somehow I end up with all this stuff . I have an addiction I cant say no if its R/C related HAHAHA!

If it is in good shape, and they have good feedback, I generally don't worry.

Look at the condition of their cars also.

I have only bought about 5 used cars which came with electronics. I havent had a problem with any of them. Just do your research and ask questions and you should be fine. Good luck!

+1 about pride in packaging.

In general when I sell used electronics I make it a point to take video of it working as I can't control what you do with it when you get it.

But in general depending on the deal I'll give used a look.

Heck, I am actually out $100 right now because of a brand new purchased electronic item that took out another item that cost $100 to replace. Funny, was the first time in awhile I bought something new in this category and now I have a $200+ item than its versus just the $90 I spent.

Sad thing is its making me leary to try other items from there line that i know others are happy with.

But back on topic, when buying used motors or esc's I look to see thats it functional and in the condition stated (make sure you get that from the seller to state the condition).