What should I watch out for while looking at used amps?

[Frraksurred 10+ year member]

I'm going to look at a Alpine V12 MRVT575 tomorrow (2x225; 750x1). The guy says it's about a year and a half old and only been used for about half of that. I looked it up online and it looks like a nice amp to push my subs with. My question is, what should I look out for while looking at a used amp? Are there any give aways to abuse, overheating, etc? He says it's in real good shape and he lives right up the st. from a friend so he knows I can find him again if I need to. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif I was just interested in any pointers I could get before I go. Thanks again for your help guys (gals to, if any are present //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif ).

BTW, he's asking $200 which seems fair if it is in good shape. The leftovers I found online were going for $320 (not including shipping). As always, your input is appreciated.

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[Wonderbread 5,000+ posts]

make him let you hear it //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[mattj 5,000+ posts]

make sure it turns on and plays for a few minutes without any problems...

 

[Frraksurred 10+ year member]

He is not going to be around. He lives an hour away, but the amp is at his parents house on my way home from work. I thought about doing a test on the spot becuz I have power, ground, signal and spkr wires run to the trunk of my car, but I'm not sure the box my subs are currently in will fit in the trunk and I forgot to run an amp turn on lead while routing wires. If it does fit, I think I'll run a temporary lead thru the armrest area in the backseat or something. At least that way I can test it to be sure it works. Thanks for your help guys.

Man, I'm gonna have to get up early! As if 4:00am isn't early enough already! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crazy.gif.c13912c32de98515d3142759a824dae7.gif

 

[Frraksurred 10+ year member]

The amp looked brand new, but the owner had busted off the left ch. + and right ch. - terminals so it could only be used in bridged mode. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/rolleyes.gif.c1fef805e9d1464d377451cd5bc18bfb.gif

I couldn't believe it, a bit short sighted I must say. Ah well, maybe he'll call me and make me an offer I can't refuse. I'm gonna call my local shop and see if I can get replacement parts and fix it fairly easily... just in case.

Just an update. Thanks again for your help.