While debating upgrading to a new Vario, I was offered a used Mazzer Super Jolly (with the Mini hopper, so it's not soo tall for @home use!) for approximately the same price- ~ $350. I'm told it's:

1) purchased "about" a yr ago from WLL
2) recently had new burrs put on
3) has some cosmetic scratches that required some sanding to polish

I'm local, so I'm going to check it out before purchasing. I'm looking for advice / feedback on what exactly I should check to ensure I'm getting more for my $$ than just playing it safe with a brand new, discounted, Vario.

With my experience level, the Vario and the SJ will likely perform the same for now (i.e. I've got a ways to go to improve enough to gain benefit from the SJ, but I plan to put in the hours!)

Thanks for all your help and words of wisdom.

Turning it on to make sure it sounds proper (no bearing noises, etc.), the only real way to test it is to use it to make espresso. If they can prove it is only about a year old, then it probably is a very good deal considering that it is about what the auction for, has the short hopper, and you do not have to pay shipping nor worry about shipping damage.

The first two digits of the serial number are the year of manufacture, so you can look at the serial number and see when it was made.

I would think it would be 09, since they bought it a year ago.

$350 for a fairly new SJ is a good deal.

Randy

Randy & Randy- thanks a bunch for your replies! Very helpful.

Dan- learned the hard way the FAQ & Favorites are forum specific! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction (and for patience

Concatenation, my new word for the day!

Discerning new burrs from old ones is really difficult without making espresso. That being said, if they really are new, that's a good price. Cosmetic issues matter more to different people. I have a particularly deep scuff on mine - I'm pretty sure it fell off a counter onto concrete , but it still works great. I think it adds "character."

Don't be afraid to bring some coffee with you. "Actually grinds coffee" checks off a large number of potential issues. I got a funny look from the seller, but a lot of peace of mind.