Used machine pricing

Over the weekend I tried using my REMstar auto with a battery while camping. It failed because of user error (I blew the fuse in the DC cord). When it happened, for a brief second I worried that my machine was broken. Now I'm thinking it would be a good idea to have a backup machine for the day that my primary machine does break. Looking on craigslist, I see a bunch of machines. I was wondering what kind of pricing I should look for on a used machine. Does anyone have a good rule of thumb for this?

I have 2 machines also, a straight cpap for use in my motorhome and any emergencies, and an M series auto I bought from other members here for a total of $150 with only 250 hours on it. If you keep your eyes peeled on craiglist and cpapauction or secondwind, you will score a 2nd cheaper machine. I don't think it matters if its an auto or straight, as a spare its okay.
Good luck in your search.
Nan

Same machine as you are using? Watch the cpap auction to get an idea what they sell for.
Craigslist sellers often have a serious inflated sense of worth but sometimes they are realistic.
I got my machine shown in my profile for $300. 18 hours showing and humidifier never used. Carrying case included.
Private sale. I see same machine on cpapauction between $250 and 300 with low hours.
High hours seem to be $150 to 200. Of course I see some new sellers with unrealistic prices also.

Older machines much more discounted. Personally I would stay with PR S1 machine so I wouldn't have to buy another humidifier.

That's kinda like asking "How much should a used car cost?".

Depends on CPAP vs APAP, how old it is, data-capable (I wouldn't even consider one that isn't), usage hours... I'd guess a price around 1/4 to 1/3 of the original cost would be fair. But that's just ballparking. Looking at the auction sites to see what they are actually going for might give you a better idea.

I bought a low hours used PR S1 Auto for $250, including shipping, on Cpap Auction and it broke after just a few hours use. Because it was less than 2 years old, Respironics replaced it under their 2 year warranty and now have a "new" machine for the $250. I would not pay more than $250 for a low(less than 250 hours) time machine and not over $150 for one above that. Also, I personally would not buy a used machine with over 2000 hours, which is a years use.

Craigslist prices are crazy. Lots of people want to get something close to DME list price. For instance, someone was listing a used PRS1 Auto with humidifier for $1500. Cpap.com sells them brand new for less than $700. People are very often trying to sell them for more than the cpap.com price.

A lot of people want prices that would be OK for a new machine for really old machine types that lack the good features of new machines.

I watched for about 3 months and got one for less than $300.

I've noticed the prices and availability varies widely from city to city. Big cities are usually better. Check nearby cities.

It's used medical equipment with no local support, unknown condition and questionable warranty. I see no reason to pay more than half the cpap.com price. Unfortunately, you may have to wait for quite a while to find a good deal, or get some machine other than the one you want.

As always, watch out for scammers.

Don't forget to also check out http://www.secondwindcpap.com They have gently used machines with very low hours; they are bench checked, sanitized, and come with a warranty.