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Hi,
I have never play piano before. I don't know anything about piano. I have done my researches, but still have no idea what I am getting myself into. Anyway, now, I have to buy a piano for my 4 yr old son.

Which one of these 2 pianos would you recommend me to buy or don't buy any of the 2 below:
1). Yamaha M1A 42" - cost $2,100. 24 yrs old and has had 2 owners so far. The first owner used it for composing. Second owner is only recreational playing and the piano has not been played for the last 4 yrs.
2). Yamaha U108 or M108 (not sure which one. The owner gave me both model #) - cost $2,200. 19 yrs old and has only 1 owner. The owner is a pianist and has used it for teaching.

I was told I have to buy a piano that is good up to Grade 8 (Canadian standard)... don't know what that means.... can't find any info on this on the internet...maybe I am not looking at the right site.

So, the questions are:
which one is a better piano?
which one is good up to grade 8
which one should I buy?

Please, please, help.... I have absolutely no idea.

Thanks

You will benefit from finding a good piano technician to help you evaluate these. I think for a beginner, you want to be sure the piano is functioning properly. I mean that it plays softly and loudly with ease. Either is likely to need or will play much better after additional maintenance beyond tuning - a technician can evaluate these items for you.

I think bitwrangler has good advice in the thread below about looking at a Yamaha U1 or U3. A general recommendation is to look for the professional artist models of whatever brand you may be considering. edit added: I mean if not immediately, for an advancing player later. similar discussion in digital section

The prices sound high for 20 year pianos and one used for teaching would have a lot of wear.

asd123321, you said the price is high for a 20 yr old piano, so how much do you think the piano should be?

If I go with the Yamaha M1A, is it good all the way till grade 8?

example of piano depreciation
previous M1A discussion
M1A for sale in San Antonio TX
M1A for sale in Philadelphia
Prices are generally negotiable but it depends upon condition and your local market.

Between the two choices the M1A is the superior piano. The 108 was a lesser quality piano though relatively the same height. I agree with most in that the price of the M1A is a bit high. I would say $1500ish being contingent on it being very clean and of low milage. Have a tech check the speedometer and whether the oil was changed periodically.