I have a very old cell phone that needs to be replaced (buttons don't all work!)  However; I don't want to spend a lot on a new phone & end up with a contract. New phones are very pricey!   I am happy with my current arrangement - just need to replace the phone.  I don't text but a camera would be nice.   I would like to keep all my current info/number if possible.  I have heard of refurbished cell phones but have no idea if it would be a good idea or bad or how to find a reputable seller.  I'd appreciate some direction from fellow dollar stretchers.  Thanks in advance!! 

If they come with some type of warranty they should be fine. Right now AT&T has a great deal you would have to sign a contract though, free phone and 29.99 a month service for people who do not text and don't use a lot of minutes. You have to call customer service the number will be on thier website. You still get to keep roll over minutes, this works for me because I really want mine for mainly emergencies and a few calls I need to make when I'm at work, I always have about 3000 rollover minutes so you can tell I rarely use my cell. It does have a camera.

My parents, siblings, myself and my hubby all use Tracfone and are VERY happy with the service.  If you are only an occasional cell phone user, I really think it's the way to go.  They have no contracts, no credit checks, and it's pay as you go.  You determine how much you want to spend.  We've used them for over two years and are very happy with the service.  You do purchase your own phone, but they are very affordable.  The phones vary in price, depending on what features you want.  They have camera phones (hubby has one), text friendly phones, and just regular 'ol cell phones.  We pay about $30 dollars every three months for around 250 "units".  Each minute you talk uses a unit, and there are various unit charges depending on what you do with your phone (text, send pictures, connect to the internet, etc).  My Dad and brothers have purchased refurbished phones from Tracfone (only available on their website) and haven't had any issues with them.  My hubby and I just went down to Wal-Mart to buy our phones.  I want to say mine cost $20 and his cost $30 or $35 (he got the camera phone).  You can find out more info at www.tracfone.com

 

 Why not ask round and see if your friends are thinkng of upgrading their cell phones? They might let you have the old one cheaply. I never buy new phones any more. A relatives friend is always changing her phone, about once every six months, so when I want a "new" one, I get it from her.

An employee at AT&T gave me this great, money-saving tip. Purchase one of those throw away, or "go" phones from Walmart. My husband got the Razr phone that way. You just put your sim card into the "disposable" phone, and it works! It's the exact same phone as the one you buy at the AT&T store, AND brand-new.

I have a redurbished TracFone and it works fine for what I need it for, and it was only $20.

Used or refurbished cell phones can work out very well. It's great because as you've just described, you can buy a phone in perfect working condition, at a cheap price, and without any contract. With a lot of refurbished cell phones, you can get them for around $100 and they work great! I would suggest checking out Replaceyourcell.com. They have used and refurbished cell phones from numerous carriers/manufactuers. Hope this helps - good luck!

I remember reading something a while back about the battery in cell phones. if it was replaced with the wrong type of battery, they were capable of exploding and harming people. So make sure it has the right kind of battery in it.. other than that, I'd use a refurbished one.

I've also used tracfone and loved it.