Hi I am new to this forum! I know nothing about buying a piano.
My 6 year old has been playing piano for over 3 months now and we wanted to buy one for her. We wanted to get her a NEW Yamaha but it costs $8k. I am worried what if she doesn't play in 5 years and I don't get that much back. After looking on craigslist for the last few weeks, I am completely discouraged. My budget is $4000.
I heard U1 has the best resale value. I started looking into U1 and U3 models. It is so difficult to buy a used made in Japan Yamaha. So far I have no luck of finding one. Is a used P22, $4500 worth buying from a retail store. My mind is set on made in Japan YAMAHA piano but I couldn't find a good one. I came across with sereval used one with a "G" next to the 7 digits serial number. When I input the serial numbers on YAMAHA.COM. NO match found. VERY Disappointed.

Please advise what to look for when buying a USED yamaha U1.

Thank you!

I'm pretty surprised you would say that. There should be tons of U1s about. I'm assuming you're in the US? In Australia the 2nd hand market is much worse than in the US, and even I got a good used U3 for $1800. I think you should have a look at some second hand piano dealers. That way you will get a warranty and a range to select from. I'm certain you'll find a used U1 well under $4,000.

Yes, I am in the US. I just feel very uncomfortable spending over $3ooo on a NOT Made in Japan Yamaha w/out any warranty.

But that's exactly what you would get from a decent second hand dealer. I can't see a used U1 being much more than $3000, and it should come with some sort of dealer warranty. Being in Nth America, you can even check online using the Yamaha serial number checker which will tell you whether the instrument was a grey market import or one that was originally sold in the US.

http://www.yamaha.com/ussub/pianos/SerialNumberlookup.aspx

Anyway, check out what's around in your area. Great as it is, not every problem can be solved on the internet, I'm afraid! And Craigs List is not a good barometer of the world of pianos, I promise you that!

My friend was referring to rent a baby grand piano. It is an alternative way.Peace of mind too if i rent it from an authorized YAMAHA dealer. But the thing is if i spend $6000 renting a piano for 5 years and I decided to purchase a NEW U1 down the road. It is a big waste. So my only option is buying the rental one or else upgrade to a GC1 in the future. A brand new U1 is $6500 plus tax. Would anyone rent a brand new baby grand?

Hi piano125, where are you located? I'm also considering U1 too. If u want a Japan made piano, u can also consider Kawai K3. It's quite a bit cheaper but still very good in quality and should have decent resale value. Also the 10 yr warranty is transferable which is a plus if u might resell in the future.

I found Rick Jones had good selection and warrantee on used pianos. Some are grey market meaning imported but in great condition. See his website. He will ship or deliver. (I am not affiliated just a satisfied customer)

I am in Southern California. I agreed with you. Rick Jones got lot of selections. There are a few used U1 and U3 but I am uncomfortable to drive three hours up in West Hollywood to look at the pianos. It is very time-consuming.
My local retail dealer is selling P22 for $4500. It was rent to a university for 6 months. It is relatively new. I don't really want to get a "China" piano but no choice right now. New U1 is above my budget. What would you do??

I'd take the 3 hour drive. Any way you slice it, piano shopping is a time consuming exercise. Plus if you know this dealer has multiple U1s on his floor and within your price range, it's not a wild goose chase, it's just a logical step. Most people spend a LOT of time looking for their piano - there's no reason you should be any different. Particularly if you are bemoaning the lack of affordability of pianos in your area. I'd say you have to make more of an effort to get things in your favour. Once you have the piano you want, you won't even remember the strain of the 3 hour drive.

Keep looking and be patient... I know that is easy for me to say, but you may come across a great pre-owned piano in great condition at a great price.

Also, if you buy pre-owned from a private seller, have your ducks in a row and be ready to act when a good buy comes along... have the funds availabe as well as a tech for inspection and a mover.

Good luck.

Rick

I agree -I took a 2 hour plane flight to find mine,