In the world of simracing, given the price of equipment, it’s only natural to want to find the best deals possible. And with the explosion in sales at Fanatec, more and more players are turning their attention to offers on used Fanatec models.
Flo and I are no exception! I’d saya good third of our equipment comes from the second-hand market. The problem is that many new players, believing they’re getting a good deal, fall into the trap of misleading advertisements. There are also details, such as warranty terms, that new simracers are generally unaware of… And that can sometimes turn a good deal into a very bad idea.
In this article, I’ll share with you the things you need to know before buying used Fanatec equipment. What you need to watch out for, and which products are the least risky even after many years of life.
Should you avoid used Fanatec steering wheels and pedals?
Let’s speak frankly, shall we? I’m convinced that people are acting in good faith. They’re not trying to cheat or hide the defects in their products. But to avoid falling into the traps of some “zigotos” (I never thought I’d write that word in this blog one day ^^), don’t take everything at face value.
Always ask for more photos than you’re given. Pictures with good lighting and from all angles. Steering wheels and pedals are the products that take the most “in the teeth” during their lifetime. Be extra careful with these used Fanatec products.
Come to think of it, this advice applies to all brands. Don’t think things will be any different if you’re looking for used Logitech, Thrustmaster, Moza or Simagic gear!
Points to watch out for on used steering wheels
A steering wheel is in constant contact with the driver’s hands. The owner has had plenty of time to sweat on it for weeks, months or years. This can lead to aesthetic problems. For example, a worn or stained wheel cover or oxidized screws.
If the steering wheel finish has stitching on the inside of the wheel, ask to see photos of its condition. You’ll immediately see if the driver was wearing gloves. If he was driving without gloves, there’s a very good chance that the stitching is damaged at the thumbs or 2-3cm above the thumbs. All because of fingernails rubbing against them 😉 Unfortunately, I’ve had that happen to me too..
Ask for a photo of the inside of the Quick Release. You need to make sure that the connectors are not bent, damaged or oxidized.
Finally, I recommend that you ask the seller for a short video . Ask him to show you that all the buttons and paddles on the steering wheel work. Buttons and paddles are activated hundreds of thousands of times over the life of a steering wheel. You need to make sure that everything works perfectly.
To choose the right model, don’t forget the Fanatec Steering Wheel Buying Guide!
Points to watch on pedal assemblies
When it comes to pedals, I’d never send my money without a video that clearly shows whether the pedals work. Check that the game recognizes them, captures all their travel. And that they don ‘t make a grinding or rubbing noise! That would mean they haven’t been maintained and greased.
On the Fanatec Clubsport V3 it’s obvious, when it’s poorly maintained you can hear it very quickly 😉
Used Fanatec bases, perhaps the best deals on the market
Bases are simpler. They’re technically less likely to have been tampered with. Don’t let that stop you from asking for a video proving that everything’s working properly, of course. But Fanatec bases are solid. Even belt-driven models like the CSL Elite or the Clubsport V2.5 are safe.
These bases are of such high quality that they still sell second-hand in a matter of days or even hours. And their prices have barely dropped in the last year.
As always, be smart. Ask for photos of the wiring. But also of the 6-sided base. And a short video proving that force feedback works.
Prices that don’t budge much
The beauty of used Fanatec products is thatthey lose little value over time. Some models even sell for the same price as new, give or take a few dozen euros. This is systematically the case with CSL DD bases, for example, when new bases are in short supply.
So it’s very practical for players who don’t want to take too many risks! If you like it, you keep it! If you don’t like it, it will quickly sell for the same price, or close to it.
In any case, take good care of the second-hand equipment you buy. If you look after it properly, chances are you’ll be able to sell it for only slightly less than you paid for it. If you resell it before a major evolution hits the new market, of course.
The Fanatec warranty is personal
The sales argument “Still under Fanatec warranty” in the second-hand market is worth ZERO. Why is this? Because the Fanatec product warranty (like many other brands) is nominative. Let’s say you’ve bought a used CSL DD..
If it breaks down, you’ll have to go through the person who sold it to get the warranty to work. I’m telling you straight out, once the sale is made, a salesman who helps you… It’s rare. I’m not saying it doesn’t exist, but it is rare. Fortunately, after-sales returns are also rare, which saves the day ^^
So it’s very, very important to ask the seller to transfer the warranty to the Fanatec site. You can do this in your customer account in the “My products” tab.
Refurbished Fanatec products: another point of vigilance
Beware of tempting offers such as “refurbished CSL DD” at -50%. The brand does not engage in this type of sale. So you won’t have any guarantee on your product other than the one provided by the e-commerce site that sold it to you.
The problem is that sometimes the sites in question suddenly “disappear”! You’re left with a product that you can neither return to the after-sales service nor get your money back in the event of a problem. Fortunately, this is rare. But at least you’ve been warned.
Going through a Fanatec France reseller: what a joke!
If a website offers you new or reconditioned Fanatec equipment and tells you it’s a Fanatec France reseller… FUY, it’s lying to you. Only Fanatec officially sells their products. No other platform is authorized to sell their new or reconditioned products.
Used Fanatec EBay, Facebook etc.
Now that you’re armed to fight on the used Fanatec market, you need to know where to look. First, there are Facebook groups where simracers post ads. Again, beware of fraud. Here’s the link to the group where I sometimes shop.
You can also find rarities on EBay, sometimes at very reasonable prices… And sometimes completely overpriced, as is often the case on eBay… In any case, when you’re looking for a very specific product, that’s often where you’ll find what you’re looking for.
There, I think I’ve told you all I know on the subject! If you have a question or an experience to share on the subject, let’s talk in the comments. Once again, be vigilant and all will be well! Good business and see you soon just below 😉
