Mountain Biking - used vs new fork values

So, the ol' RSX is starting to piss me off and I'm beginning to research fork options. My buddy got a used Fox Vanilla for about $300 on ebay, I think. It may as well be new, and I am very very jealous. My question lies in whether it would be better to buy a used "higher" end fork, or a new mid-range one? I'm not really up on what is high versus low end, but I'm thinking along the lines of a Fox Float vs a Dart. This isn't actually my choices but simply an example of my thought process. What would you recommend? I understand to be wary of ebay, use reputable sellers, check for cracks/worn out stuff, and to make sure I have enough steering tube for my bike. Also, would buying a used upper-end fork and then having it rebuilt, be a decent option? I don't know much about rebuilding price, but will search around for pricing from Push and the like.

So, the ol' RSX is starting to piss me off and I'm beginning to research fork options. My buddy got a used Fox Vanilla for about $300 on ebay, I think. It may as well be new, and I am very very jealous. My question lies in whether it would be better to buy a used "higher" end fork, or a new mid-range one? I'm not really up on what is high versus low end, but I'm thinking along the lines of a Fox Float vs a Dart. This isn't actually my choices but simply an example of my thought process. What would you recommend? I understand to be wary of ebay, use reputable sellers, check for cracks/worn out stuff, and to make sure I have enough steering tube for my bike. Also, would buying a used upper-end fork and then having it rebuilt, be a decent option? I don't know much about rebuilding price, but will search around for pricing from Push and the like.

don't know really but if you could find a used high-end fork for an awesome price and if it looks like it works well i'd go for it. it's ur choice though really:).

You could also go outside the box, and buy a cheap older Fox fork and send it to PUSH, you'll have best of both worlds- "affordable and High end."

Does anybody know of other companies besides PUSH that do fork overhauls? Their prices seem reasonable, $159 USD for the 'factory overhaul' option. Does PUSH do any other brands other than Fox? From what I saw, which was minimal, on their website it looks like they specialize in working with Fox. I'll probably just try to find the best deal in the best condition and if it needs the overhaul I'll do it, otherwise just ride it as is.

I'd buy new unless you can see the product in person before you buy.

Like any mechanical component, a high-end but worn out/broken part is no better than a low end part.

Besides, you can get killer deals on ebay. For example, one guy was selling 06 Jr Ts for $220 new.

Well, it all comes down to how used is "used". And as already mentioned, higher end forks can be serviced to run well again, low end forks cannot.

If you mean used as in used for a year. I'd rather buy a used Fox than a new Dart

If you mean used as in used for a year. I'd rather buy a used Fox than a new Dart

Exactly what I was thinking, actually. I just wanted to know if anybody had any experience on the subject. Even if I didn't send out to PUSH, I feel confident enough that I could do a minor overhaul, replace bushings etc, on my own. I'm far from mechanically incompetent, but not quite sure if any special tools would be needed. I'll have to look that up in my trusty Zinn.

So, the ol' RSX is starting to piss me off and I'm beginning to research fork options. My buddy got a used Fox Vanilla for about $300 on ebay, I think. It may as well be new, and I am very very jealous. My question lies in whether it would be better to buy a used "higher" end fork, or a new mid-range one? I'm not really up on what is high versus low end, but I'm thinking along the lines of a Fox Float vs a Dart. This isn't actually my choices but simply an example of my thought process. What would you recommend? I understand to be wary of ebay, use reputable sellers, check for cracks/worn out stuff, and to make sure I have enough steering tube for my bike. Also, would buying a used upper-end fork and then having it rebuilt, be a decent option? I don't know much about rebuilding price, but will search around for pricing from Push and the like.

If you are lookingh for a trail fork,go to...
jensonusa.com
greenfishsports.com
You may find something you like there.

I have gone the "used" route on e-bay; the key is to ask the seller questions about the item's usage - what kind of riding, for how long, etc. If the seller replies promptly and actually answers your questions, ask a few more questions that require a bit more detail. Another prompt and responsive reply, you probably have a MTB'ing seller who is going to be honest with you.

Most important question - especially of it's NOT addressed in the sales blurb - is why they are selling whatever it is. Did they win a new, better one? Did they get a new bike & they're parting out the old one? Is it worn & they simply don't want to deal with the rebuild? Or is it just (OMG) red?

apclassic9: thanks a lot. I figured I should ask some questions to the sellers but had no idea what to ask. Very good advice. thanks for all the advice everybody.