Expense of used scanners

[Falcon9h]

Specifically the 396xlt... I see loads of older scanners going for all kinds of money here and on ebay, 250-300 and more for older radios when for 100 more I could have a 436. What gives?
I'm not *****ing but I'm curious. Maybe these folks don't really want to sell, what do you think?

 

[trentbob]

Specifically the 396xlt... I see loads of older scanners going for all kinds of money here and on ebay, 250-300 and more for older radios when for 100 more I could have a 436. What gives?
I'm not *****ing but I'm curious. Maybe these folks don't really want to sell, what do you think?

Just say no, people can ask anything they want for a scanner, it's what someone is willing to pay that's important. You negotiate.

If they don't accept your offer then your money stays in your pocket and never gets in theirs.

 

[RichardKramer]

Specifically the 396xlt... I see loads of older scanners going for all kinds of money here and on ebay, 250-300 and more for older radios when for 100 more I could have a 436. What gives?
I'm not *****ing but I'm curious. Maybe these folks don't really want to sell, what do you think?

396t vs 396xt

I'm planning to purchase a digital scanner and wondered if the 396XT is actually worth the money versus the 396T? I've ready all about them, but being a casual scanner user, I don't really know the difference. I'm selling my PRO-96 which I've had a few years, but wonder if the 106 is better or...

forums.radioreference.com

I have 2 - 396XT and 3 - 436HP scanners; never had to send the 396XTs in for service; the 436HPs were sent to Uniden 2x for repairs.

 

[trentbob]

396t vs 396xt

I'm planning to purchase a digital scanner and wondered if the 396XT is actually worth the money versus the 396T? I've ready all about them, but being a casual scanner user, I don't really know the difference. I'm selling my PRO-96 which I've had a few years, but wonder if the 106 is better or...

forums.radioreference.com

Wow! That thread is 14 years old LOL. Those radios were more relevant then😉.

 

[Paco-Jerte]

Bought a Pro-96 for $30.00 off craigslist 3 months ago... while at the same time ebay has them for $100+

The crazy part about ebay is the pro 2096, some selling for over $300 hehe

 

[trentbob]

A saying that you hear a lot on radio reference.. "there's a sucker born every minute".

 

[MTS2000des]

Ebay=retail. Retail prices, retail markup, retail return privileges. That's why stuff is priced accordingly.

 

[StoliRaz]

Specifically the 396xlt... I see loads of older scanners going for all kinds of money here and on ebay, 250-300 and more for older radios when for 100 more I could have a 436. What gives?
I'm not *****ing but I'm curious. Maybe these folks don't really want to sell, what do you think?

You too? I've been pining for a 396XT for years, but considering it is not capable of receiving phase2/DMR/NXDN I refuse to spend any more than $150 for one. And that would have to be in very good shape. Instead I see people buying them for $250-$300. I bought a PSR-500 in near mint condition for $100 shipped instead. I prefer the pocket size of the 396XT but I'm not paying those overinflated prices. I'll just buy pants and coats with bigger pockets instead.

 

[Nasby]

Certain scanners are classics and sought after. In years past it was the Pro43, Pro2006, etc. The same is true for the BCD396XT. It has a great form factor and performs well.

For Phase I non-simulcast systems (which are still prevalent across the US), the 396XT is an awesome, reliable and easy to use scanner. Thus, keeping it in demand in the used scanner market.

 

[a727469]

2 types of people buy “ overpriced” used scanners. There probably are other groups but these are the most obvious to me.

—those who collect or owned one years ago for nostalgia or might have the technical knowledge to fix it if it needs it and have the extra money available. This group will overpay for a unique radio just because they “must” have it. They will not buy a readily available older radio.

—those who have very little knowledge of scanners and someone told them to buy because it used to be a good scanner and they might overpay for a non-unique readily available used radio.

I certainly understand the first group of nostalgia purchases. I do not understand the second group.

Also, per the OPs question as to whether the seller really wants to sell, definitely they do based upon “there's a sucker born every minute” per trentbob’s comment above.

 

[merlin]

Some of my observations.
> People buy scanners, use them til obsolescence, then expect their full investment trying to sell them.
> A lot of used scanners are probllematic, even dead, and think their junk is priceless.
> Many people with more money than brains will pay two times or more than any scanner is really worth. (supply and demand)
> Some people price their junk into orbit, like 'Look what I have'. The best scanner on the planet is the Watkins Johnson WJ-8611.
There are some Avioncs class equivalents in second place. "NEW" in 1980, Government paid $2600 + for each.
In the civilian market, SURPLUS! sold by the pallat full in pounds per dollar. Gutted for parts you get more for the parts.
One on FEBAY advertised for $2360, like the 'look what I have' thing. 5 years later, never sold.
Got the money, there are many GOOD vintage scanners on the market, but you really have to want it bad.
My 2 ¢

 

[a727469]

Amen…I did not realize there are people with more money than brains🧠😁. now back to watching TV📺!

 

[NewJerseyOldListener]

In my opinion, it’s all supply and demand. There are so many people out there that want the 396xt. Why? I have no idea!

 

[StoliRaz]

In my opinion, it’s all supply and demand. There are so many people out there that want the 396xt. Why? I have no idea!

It's been like that since 2020, why I don't know. Just before that I saw them selling for $100-$175 depending on condition. I believe the overinflated prices of current digital scanners inflated the 396xt as well. There aren't many other options if you just need P25 phase 1.

 

[Falcon9h]

Bought a Pro-96 for $30.00 off craigslist 3 months ago... while at the same time ebay has them for $100+

The crazy part about ebay is the pro 2096, some selling for over $300 hehe

Craigslist might as well be out of business here in Pa. Complete and total bust. I gave up on them years ago.
I had to ask, now I know. I don't trust-or can afford-the 436 and God knows the sds. Just enough problems I've heard that I don't trust either and monetarily they might as well be lying beyond the Outer Rim.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. 👍

 

[a727469]

A saying that you hear a lot on radio reference.. "there's a sucker born every minute".

And a fool and his money are soon parted

 

[StoliRaz]

I had to ask, now I know. I don't trust-or can afford-the 436 and God knows the sds. Just enough problems I've heard that I don't trust either and monetarily they might as well be lying beyond the Outer Rim.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. 👍

The 436 purchased NEW today is fine. I've had one for 3 or 4 years now, no issues. They had the clock issues for a bit when new but I believe they've sorted that out. For that reason alone I'm a bit hesitant to buy another one used. Same with the "cold solder joint" issues of the SDS-100. For me, buying a brand new model of scanner right after it is released is like buying a car right after the manufacturer redesigns it- don't do it. Sit back, wait in the wings, let everyone else figure out the problems, see if they get ironed out and only then buy one.

 

[trentbob]

The 436 purchased NEW today is fine. I've had one for 3 or 4 years now, no issues. They had the clock issues for a bit when new but I believe they've sorted that out. For that reason alone I'm a bit hesitant to buy another one used. Same with the "cold solder joint" issues of the SDS-100. For me, buying a brand new model of scanner right after it is released is like buying a car right after the manufacturer redesigns it- don't do it. Sit back, wait in the wings, let everyone else figure out the problems, see if they get ironed out and only then buy one.

Waiting a bit before purchasing a new scanner that just got released seems like a good problem to have LOL.

The 436 has had its 10th birthday and initially had some problems with the circuit board, then it had the issues with the clock and the dim display that required a repair campaign by Uniden for the 436 and 536.

You buy a used one today you're probably okay when it comes to having any lingering issues.

Biggest issue and the elephant in the room is that it may not perform well on certain simulcast systems.

The 100 is approximately 6+ years old and any issues like csj and rotary knob malfunction, disintegrating battery latch seem to be a less heard of issue compared to the past but could be a lurking hidden time bomb in older units that have not been serviced.

I kind of wish we did have that problem of a scanner company introducing a new super radio that I would be interested in, that we need to give a little time for the kinks to get worked out.😀 Sounds like a good problem to have.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

The 100 is approximately 6+ years old and any issues like csj and rotary knob malfunction

Rotary knob / shaft snapped off of my 100 so I'm relegated to using it as a base unit with Proscan now. Still brings my & surrounding counties' simulcast systems in like a champ though

 

[pb_lonny]

The main thing I see is that people don't know what they have so either under or over price things.
Under Priced - sells quickly
Over Priced - never sells.

Some people have an attachment to specific brands and models and will pay "too much" for something, due to this.