Quote:
Originally Posted by Hpi_guy
in theory a brushless motor should never wear out as there is no contacting parts such as a brush but that is only in theory, the bearings can become tiered, sensor boards can wear out and the stator can come unglued from the rotor.
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As you say in theory... Not quite true the neodymium magnets do go off with a lot of heat and use, but a replacement rotor can solve that, cheaper than a whole new motor. Bearings to take some abuse over time and depending on where its run. Sensor boards to fail, as do sensor lead sockets. Normally you can spot an abused motor from a sellers picture.
I've bought a new-in-box second hand motor for significantly cheaper than retail price, and been very pleased with it. I last week sold two relatively new (bought in April'12) and low usage stick pack lipos that I no longer could use as I've moved to a chassis that takes saddle packs. They were hardly used and will serve the new owner well for some time. He got them significantly cheaper than I paid for them, and I wouldn't have sold them if I didn't need saddles.
Not everything is being sold on because its junk. I'd say there is more chance of getting a good deal buying second hand from here, rather than say ebay, which is a bit more anonymous. Here, it's a bit more of a community where people have connections in real life, and reputations to keep.
Just be careful what you buy and inspect the pictures and descriptions beforehand, and ask yourself is the price realistic.