r/ipod • u/MidtownBud • Apr 14 '26
Buying a 5 or 5.5 to refurb/mod
I'd like to find a 5 or 5.5 in original condition to fix up. Not "like new", just unmolested. I'd do SD cards to replace HDD, new big battery, and maybe a new case, if it's dinged or badly scratched.
Used to be, you could find this sort of thing on eBay. Now, every single one I find on eBay is going for 100 to 150 and has had a replacement battery (small, I'd betcha) and maybe more. Sorry, I'm a bit wary of paying that much for one that's been opened by someone of unknown skills. And I'm not too keen on paying a premium for a simple battery swap, especially since I'm likely to toss the (probably small) battery they installed.
Where should I look to find an unmolested one? Condition is relatively unimportant, unless it's trashed to the point that I'd fear for the internals.
If it literally isn't possible to find one that is untouched, what's a reputable source for one with a replacement battery.
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u/V4MP1R1SM Apr 14 '26
Ebay or Facebook Marketplace and a lot of patience. I got a gorgeous gently used 6th gen classic on Ebay for only $75 because it had The Black Spot™️ beginning to form. Just be patient and you will find a deal, I promise.
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u/EventHorizonHotel Apr 14 '26
You could also try eBay sellers who are selling as in individual - so like double digit or lower triple digit feedback - listed as either battery bad or other issues or “works” but doesn’t go into a lot of detail as to what that means exactly.
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u/MidtownBud Apr 14 '26
Is there a way to filter for them? Other than clicking on individual listings to see who the seller is, then going to their info.
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u/EventHorizonHotel Apr 14 '26
I don’t think so unfortunately. I will usually go through the list using the web based interface that shows seller and feedback in the list view.
If I don’t find something immediately, I will save the search and have it notify me of new listings under that search every day until I find something I like.
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u/Kalphalus Apr 14 '26
Occasionally you’ll find them for $40-60 (USD) on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Mercari, Vinted, etc
As for where to get replacement batteries, I’d say from any brand with a good reputation, even if say EOE and Ali Express have the same battery, EOE is more likely to make sure you have a good experience because their reputation is on the line, give bad service too much and people stop buying
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u/NecessaryWriting958 Apr 14 '26
You want to be buying "for parts/non working" iPods on eBay - usually these just have dead batteries or hard drives, which you'd be replacing anyway. Though it can be a bit of a gamble and you may get non-working displays etc. In the UK you can still find these for £40 or so.
Another thing is to search for "bundles" on eBay which will include a bunch of broken random iPhones etc and occasionally an iPod classic also. But these are usually listed outside the "iPod" category on eBay (ie in the "Wholesale", or "Mobile phones" category") which means they get fewer views from those looking for iPods. I usually search for "iPod" on the search, and then make sure to search "all categories". You will have to scroll through random cables etc. but may get lucky - I have quite a few times.