If buying from a private seller, what questions do I need to ask?

If buying from a private seller, what questions do I need to ask?

Ali Nasri (Computer Specialist, Mac 911 Inc.) gives expert video advice on: Are refurbished computer systems a good idea?; Do I need to inquire about the brand and speed of the internal CD/ DVD drive?; Why are risks of gray market parts? and more...

Buying from a private seller, the first question that I would ask is: is there any warranty left on the machine? because if there is no warranty on it, any piece of hardware that goes wrong will generally cost you as much to repair it as you paid for the machine. That's the problem with used machines. Since the machine is not refurbished, it doesn't carry any manufacturer's warranty unless the machine you are buying from the private seller still has any remaining warranty left on it from the original sale.