New vs. Used FARO Laser Trackers: What a Quality Inspector Wants You to Know Before Buying

Why I'm Writing This

I've been a quality and brand compliance manager at a precision manufacturing company for over 4 years. Every year, I review roughly 50 unique measurement system specifications before they reach our production floor—things like FARO laser trackers, portable CMM arms, and the calibration protocols that go with them.

I don't have hard data on the exact percentage of companies that buy used vs. new FARO equipment. But based on my experience handling purchase orders, vendor audits, and our own purchasing decisions, I'd estimate that at least 40% of first-time buyers seriously consider the used market—especially for a used FARO laser tracker for sale.

So here's the question: New FARO vs. a used FARO laser tracker—which one do you actually need?

The answer isn't as simple as 'new is better.' I've seen both approaches fail and succeed. Let's break it down dimension by dimension.

The Comparison Framework

We'll compare new and used FARO systems (including FARO CMM arms and laser trackers) across six key dimensions:

• Accuracy & Calibration
• Upfront Cost vs. Total Cost of Ownership
• Support & Warranty
• Portability & Condition
• Calibration Intervals & Service
• Long-Term Value & Resale

Each section ends with a clear takeaway—no fence-sitting.

Dimension 1: Accuracy & Calibration

New FARO Systems

A brand-new FARO laser tracker comes fresh from the factory with a full calibration certificate. According to FARO's published specs, a new FARO Vantage laser tracker can achieve an accuracy of 64 µm + 1.6 µm/m. The calibration is fresh, traceable to NIST, and backed by a warranty.

Used FARO Systems

Here's where it gets interesting. A used FARO system might have been sitting on a shop floor for 3 years, collecting dust or being used daily. Calibration may have expired. I've seen listings for 'like new' units that missed calibration by 18 months.

The real risk isn't the equipment—it's the calibration gap. A well-maintained FARO CMM arm can hold its accuracy for years. But if you buy a used unit without a recent calibration report, you're rolling the dice. In our Q1 2024 quality audit, we rejected a used FARO arm because its reported accuracy was off by 0.004 mm against our standard—that's within many vendors' tolerance, but not ours.

Takeaway: New systems guarantee fresh calibration. Used systems can be great, but only if the calibration history is verifiable. Don't assume.

Dimension 2: Upfront Cost vs. Total Cost of Ownership

New Systems: Higher sticker price

A new FARO laser tracker setup—with accessories, software licenses, and a warranty—can run anywhere from $35,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on the model (based on typical quotes from FARO-authorized distributors as of early 2025; verify current pricing).

Used Systems: Lower upfront, but...

A used FARO laser tracker might cost $15,000 to $25,000. That looks like a steal. But I've seen hidden costs add up fast:

• Recalibration: $1,500–$3,000 if it hasn't been done recently
• Software updates: Some used units come with outdated software that costs extra to upgrade
• Repairs: A broken encoder on a used FARO arm can cost $4,000+ to fix

I wish I had tracked our total costs more carefully on the one used unit we bought. What I can say anecdotally is that the 'savings' were wiped out by recalibration and a software license upgrade within 8 months.

Takeaway: Used is cheaper upfront. But if you factor in calibration, upgrades, and potential repairs, the delta narrows. On a $40,000 project, the difference may be $10k–$15k, not $25k.

Dimension 3: Support & Warranty

New: Full support from FARO

Buying new gets you a standard warranty (usually 12 months) and access to FARO's technical support team. That includes phone support, remote diagnostics, and access to software updates. For a quality manager like me, this is huge—down equipment costs $200+ per hour in lost productivity.

Used: You're on your own mostly

Most used units come 'as-is' or with a 30-day warranty from a reseller. Some resellers are reputable—they'll calibrate the unit and offer a limited warranty. Many won't. I've seen companies buy a used FARO laser tracker, have it fail after 60 days, and pay $6,000 for a repair that took 3 weeks.

To be fair, some used vendors do offer warranties. But I've found they rarely cover calibration drift.

Takeaway: New = peace of mind and a support safety net. Used = lower cost but higher risk. If you're a small shop with a single unit, used can be risky. If you have a backup system, the risk drops.

Dimension 4: Portability & Condition

Both new and used FARO systems are portable—that's a key advantage over stationary CMMs. But portability doesn't mean 'indestructible.'

A used FARO arm that's been dropped or mishandled can have mechanical wear that affects accuracy. I inspected a used unit once where the arm's rotation felt 'gritty'—turned out the bearings were worn. That's a sign of heavy use, not abuse necessarily, but it meant the unit was nearing end-of-life.

Takeaway: New = no wear. Used = inspect for mechanical wear. Don't just look at pictures—ask for a video or, better yet, a demo.

Dimension 5: Calibration Intervals & Service

FARO recommends annual recalibration for their laser trackers and CMM arms. It's a standard across the industry. Here's the practical difference:

• New system: You start with 12–15 months before the first recalibration is due. You can plan your budget.
• Used system: You might have 0–6 months before recalibration is due. If you budget $2,000 for that, you're fine. If you don't, it's a surprise cost.

My experience is based on about 50 measurement system purchases over 4 years. If you're buying for a metrology lab with strict ISO standards, the calibration interval matters more. If you're doing less critical work, you might have more flexibility.

Takeaway: Check the remaining calibration period. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's a negotiation point.

Dimension 6: Long-Term Value & Resale

New FARO systems depreciate. A lot. I've seen a $50,000 unit lose 30–40% of its value in 3 years. That means a used unit bought for $20,000 might still sell for $12,000–$15,000 in 3 more years.

New units, however, have a longer useful life—typically 8–12 years with proper care. Used units, especially if they're already 3–5 years old, might have 5–7 years left.

There's a nuance here that surprises people: The best value isn't always the cheapest option. If you buy a 1-year-old used unit from a reputable reseller with a fresh calibration, you can get 80% of the useful life for 50% of the price. That's the sweet spot.

Takeaway: For long-term value, a 1-2 year old used unit with verified calibration is often optimal. For maximum useful life and lowest risk, buy new.

So Which One Should You Buy?

Here's my practical, scenario-based advice:

Buy NEW if:

• You need guaranteed accuracy for critical measurements (aerospace, medical devices)
• You don't have a backup system—downtime is unacceptable
• You want full warranty and support (this is worth a lot)
• You plan to keep the system for 8+ years
• You're a small shop with limited technical resources to troubleshoot used equipment

Consider USED if:

• You have a tight budget and need a second system for lower-risk jobs
• You're willing to pay for calibration and potential repairs
• You can verify the calibration history and see the unit in operation
• You're buying from a reputable used vendor who offers a warranty and calibration
• You're comfortable with some risk—and you have backup measurement options

My Final Take

I've always believed that small buyers shouldn't be treated differently. When I was starting out, the vendors who took my small orders seriously are the ones I still work with. Used equipment can be a great way to get started without breaking the bank. But it's not a shortcut—it's a tradeoff.

If you're searching for a used FARO laser tracker for sale, don't just look at the price. Ask for calibration records, check the model age, and factor in the total cost. And if you can, try to get a demo. I've seen too many buyers save $15,000 upfront only to lose it in repairs and downtime.

Granted, this requires more work upfront. But it saves you from a bad purchase. Trust me—I've seen both sides of this decision.

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Pricing references are based on market observations and typical quotes as of early 2025. Actual costs vary by vendor, location, and equipment condition. Always verify current pricing and calibration status before purchasing.