Questions to Ask Before Buying a Kijiji PC
Good questions filter scams and bad hardware before you leave home.
Message quality predicts meetup quality. Ask specifics, keep a paper trail, and walk away from vague answers. Pair this list with marketplace scam patterns and the inspection checklist.
Confirm the exact parts in writing
Ask for CPU model, GPU model (including laptop GPU naming), motherboard model, RAM size and speed, and primary SSD size. Request a photo of Task Manager or GPU-Z if the listing is thin. Vague 'RTX 30 series' answers are a red flag.
Ask about age, smoke, and repairs
How long have they owned it, any liquid events, any GPU or PSU swaps, and why they are selling. Repaired boards are fine when disclosed. Hidden liquid damage is not.
Demand proof it runs under load
Ask for a short stress clip or agree that you will run a game or benchmark at meetup. Sellers who refuse any load test often know about crashes. Bring a USB stick with your own tools when possible.
Lock logistics before you travel
Confirm cash or e-Transfer rules, exact meetup spot, parking, and whether the PC will be powered on arrival. Public daytime meetups beat basement handoffs.
- Request full part list and two clear photos of labels.
- Ask ownership length and any repairs.
- Agree on a load test you can run on site.
- Confirm payment method and public meetup details.
Questions that expose scams fast
Shipping-only for a local listing, requests to move chat off-platform immediately, prices far below comps, and refusal to video call the running desktop are classic warning signs. Trust patterns over excuses.
What to save in your notes
Keep the listing URL, seller name, answers, and agreed price. If specs change at meetup, renegotiate or leave. Your notes protect you if a dispute follows.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to ask for GPU-Z?
No. Serious local sellers expect verification. Polite specificity filters time-wasters.
Should I ask for original receipts?
Yes when available. Receipts help with ownership confidence even when warranty is gone.
What if they will not power it on?
Do not buy a dark box. Functioning demo is part of a fair used PC sale.
Can I bring my own monitor?
Yes for desktops when practical. It removes 'my display is the problem' excuses.
Key takeaways
- Get exact models in writing before you drive.
- Agree on a load test and public meetup.
- Vague or rushed answers are a reason to cancel.
Browse tested Ontario gaming PCs, or ask us about a listing before you buy.
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