Housing Inspection
Check external condition of the chassis
Bottom lineRun a finger along every edge and inspect the lid, palm rest, and bottom case under good light for dents, scratches, corner damage, and white oxidation spots. Cosmetic wear doesn't affect function, but corner dents mean the Mac was dropped and may have hidden internal damage—negotiate accordingly.
Check for Dents
Run your fingers along all edges and surfaces. Feel for any dents or deformations
Inspect for Scratches
Under good lighting, look for scratches on the lid, palm rest, and bottom case
Check Corner Damage
Examine all four corners closely. These are most prone to drop damage
Look for Oxidation
Check for discoloration or white spots on aluminum surfaces indicating oxidation
Tip: Cosmetic damage doesn't affect functionality but may indicate the Mac was dropped, which could cause internal damage.