Current value of iPhone 3GS (8GB)?

[StingMe]

My mom dropped her iPhone 3GS (8GB) and the glass/digitizer is cracked - the LCD is ok and the phone works just fine. Naturally, she is just outside of the warranty period. I told her to try the Apple Store first to see if she might be able to swap for a refurb at little cost; otherwise, I'll do the repair (or have it done for under $50).

The parents are due for new phones anyway and I told her we could sell the two 3GS phones to offset the cost of new(er) iPhones. I realize it makes sense to do the repair but what is the current value for a 3GS in a private sale?

TIA!

[Gilbert]

eBay shows recent sales have been around $100 minus their fees which would net around ~$85-$90 with a fully functional phone. Less, if damaged.

At the Apple store, an out of warranty phone swap will run around $150. Depending on your store, she might get an iPhone 4. Some stores are running low on 3G and 3GS replacement phones.

[Rolando 2go]

If she goes with the swap, the swapped phone will Not be on contract. She could sell it and put the funds toward an iPhone 5!

[DRR]

Gilbert wrote:
eBay shows recent sales have been around $100 minus their fees which would net around ~$85-$90 with a fully functional phone. Less, if damaged.

At the Apple store, an out of warranty phone swap will run around $150. Depending on your store, she might get an iPhone 4. Some stores are running low on 3G and 3GS replacement phones.

I have a working 3GS, no cracked screen. Would a out of warranty phone swap work? An upgrade to an iPhone 4 for $150 seems like an easy decision if that's possible. Is the Out of warranty phone swap a standard offer, or is it special circumstance only?

[PeterB]

I just sold a 16GB on ebay for $110, if that gives any indication ... but it was a barebones, with only the charge cable and headphones, no SIM card or case.

[StingMe]

Thanks for the info...she ended up picking up an iPhone 4 8GB with a 2-year extension to the AT&T contract. So now we've got a 3GS 8GB with cracked glass, another 3GS 8GB in great condition, an iPhone 4 16GB in great condition, and the new iPhone 4 8GB with two of the phone eligible for upgrades.

I may talk my mom into returning the new 4 and getting a 16GB 4S instead and then sell the rest of the phones for ~$350-400 which would offset the purchase of an additional 16GB 4S ($100) and a 5 (or a third 4S). Hmmm...got some thinkin' to do

[macphanatic]

You can get replacement glass for around $20 from Amazon. Check reviews carefully as some aren't so good. With a little care, you can replace the glass yourself. I've done two phones so far. It takes about 15 minutes, some patience, a small phillips screwdriver and a suction cup.