I'm considering buying a second hand iPad and wondered if anyone had thoughts on buying from a High Street chain such as CEX, etc. I don't need a brand-new iPad although I'd like one with retina display if I can get one. I know there are several online options but I like the idea of buying locally so I can get them to test it right in front of me, I can check its condition and I can easily take it back if there's a problem.

If anyone's had favourable or unfavourable experiences buying tech from this kind of outlet I'd appreciate hearing your opinions. Thanks!

I’ve bought stuff from CEX and it’s been fine. They usually have a 12 month warranty on that kind of thing anyway.
https://uk.webuy.com/support/wesellhelp.php

Might work from your perspective only if the price is worth a punt - Mighty Deals are doing refurbs and all sorts at the moment.

Also, check Maplin for refurbs.

The only issue is probably whether the battery has been 'cared for' correctly. Otherwise, as long as it switches on, there's pretty much nothing that can go wrong. You can factory reset it to remove any software issues there may be and other than the battery (and possibly the headphone port?) there's not much on an iPad to go wrong that you wouldn't immediately see when you switched it on.

Jonathan

I bought one blind off a forum once. Has been doing well so far. Check the model since some of them don't support ios9 particularly well. I know my iPad 3 (retina display but still old fashioned proprietary connector) runs ios 8 fine but if I were to upgrade, would run like a three-legged dog. Hence I wouldn't buy certain iPads if they'd been upgraded to the latest iOS.