TiVo Community Forums Archives - "Factory-renewed" TiVos from tivo.com--good or bad idea?

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"Factory-renewed" TiVos from tivo.com--good or bad idea?
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Posted by: plinko

I'm almost ready to order my TiVo! Thanks to everyone who's answered my questions so far.

I'm thinking about getting the "factory-renewed" 40 hour model from tivo.com for $199 minus the $50 rebate (and upgrading the drives later!). Has anyone here ordered a factory-renewed model from tivo.com? What was your experience like? Was it in any way noticably different from the new models?

Posted by: zaknafein

By far the two most common failures in TiVos are hard drives and modems. Reconditioned ones have most likely had one of these two parts already replaced. Therefore, a reconditioned one might even be MORE desirable than a new one.

Go for it. You have nothing to lose. (especially if you plan on replacing the drive anyway)

Posted by: Cirrius

If you have any concerns with a factory renewed one, Amazon.com has a brand new 40 hour unit for either $214 or $216 with free shipping, and the $50 rebate is valid for that as well.

Posted by: stevel

At first I was going to write that the rebate expired 12/31, but I see there is a new one in effect through 1/31.

Posted by: bwit

Your mileage may vary but after purchasing a refurb from TiVo and having to return it for a defect I will never do that again. Aside from the $20 in shipping I had to pay I spent nearly 4 hours on the phone with TiVo support. Mostly waiting to talk with someone.

Frankly all my future TiVo's will be purchased from a local merchant where they can be returned and replaced in a single day.

Bob

Posted by: kimseysmom

We bought one of those "reconditioned" TiVo units ~ the 80 hour unit. It has the same warranty as a new one does & it's cheaper. Ours has worked just fine, we've had it about 6 months now & couldn't live without it!!!

Nancy

Posted by: ThreeSoFar

Couldn't the refurb. ones also be returns? Or does the store itself re-sell those?

Posted by: Riggstonia

I got one of the last 60 hr one, a great buy.ould do it again in a heart beat.
(trying to talk the wife into it now)

Posted by: ThreeSoFar

Just had a friend of ours ask for help getting one and the 40 hr. refurb. is what I recommended. Won't upgrade the size for her just yet. I'll report how it goes if I remember...

Posted by: Cubfan

I got two of the 60-hour refurbs the last time they were offered. Sold both on Ebay for more than I paid for them after about a year of owning them. This is the way to go, IMO.

Posted by: timmetro69

I've had two reburb 40 hr Series II Tivos for about a year with no problems whatsoever. I recommend it to anyone interested. I definitely believe in the school of thought that says a refurb MAY be better than a new unit.