2 yr old Yamaha CLP-230
With bech, stand, and 3 pedal, rose wood color.

Asking $899 on Craigslist.
Does it worth the price?

Is it better than a new P85 for $769?

the action on CLP230 is much better than that on P85. if it's in good condition, $899 is a very good deal for it.

Dear jyzhang,
The CLP230 is definitely better than the P85, if it is in good condition. Do all the notes play? All the pedals work? Why is the person selling it so cheap? Check it out in person before buying it. Play each and every note. Do some notes sound significantly louder than others? (Make sure you use approximately the same amount of pressure on each note). If so, this isn't a good thing. They should sound even if played evenly Check the pedals. (With the middle pedal, push a note or group of notes down and while holding the notes down apply the middle pedal. Hold the pedal down and release the note(s). Play some other notes It should sustain the original note(s) without sustaining the new ones you play. -- don't worry too much about this as your son won't use this pedal anytime soon.) The right pedal should sustain all the notes. The left pedal should make it a little quieter. Make sure it has the matching bench. If everything looks, sounds, and feels good, I'd go for it. If it's missing the owner's manual, you can download it free from Yamaha's website. Good luck and let us know what you decided on.
Sincerely,
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you very much for the detailed instructions on how to test a used digital piano.

The new P85 is already on its way when the used CLP-230 came out.

I just wished I could have provided my son with the best learning conditions within my humble budget.

J.Y. Zhang

Dear J.Y.Zhang,

Your son will be very lucky to have the P85 to start on. I wish you both the best.

Sincerely,
Jennifer

Don't worry the the P85 is a great keyboard to start on. Plus you can use something like the CLP230 as future bait.

Mark