Buying used LEGO: what to check before you pay

Used LEGO can be a great value. It is also the one place where two sets with the same name can be very different products: one complete with its minifigures and instructions, another missing the small parts that make the build work. This guide covers what to check, what to ask and how to clean a used set. It is general advice that applies to any seller.

1. Start with the set number

Every LEGO set has a number printed on the box and on the instructions. Write it down before you shop. With the number you can look up the official parts list and minifigure list for that set in an online parts database, and you can compare the price of a used copy with current prices for new and used copies.

2. Check completeness

A “complete” set should have every part on the parts list. When you can, check these in order:

  • Minifigures and their accessories. Count the figures, then look for hats, hair, tools, weapons and other small pieces that belong to each.
  • Printed and special parts. Printed tiles, windscreens and one-off elements are the parts most often missing, and the hardest to replace.
  • Stickers. Check whether the stickers are applied, still on the sheet or missing, and whether they are peeling.
  • Small connectors. Technic pins, axles and small clips are easy to lose. Ask whether they were counted.
  • Instructions and box. Instructions are useful and a box adds value for collectors, but a set with neither can still be complete. Ask what is included.

If a seller cannot say whether a set is complete, treat it as incomplete and price it that way.

3. Check minifigure authenticity

Minifigures are small, popular and often bought on their own, so they are worth a careful look.

  • Brand marking. On most genuine LEGO parts the word LEGO is molded on the top of the studs. Compare a few studs against a part you know is genuine.
  • Print quality. Genuine prints are sharp and consistent. Blurry edges, off-center faces and unusual colors are warning signs.
  • Fit and feel. Arms, legs and heads should click on and hold. Parts that fit loosely, or feel lighter or glossier than the rest, deserve a second look.
  • Color match. A figure whose torso, arms and hands differ in shade may be a mix of parts. That is not always a problem, but you should know.

4. Look for wear and damage

  • Discoloration. Older white and light gray bricks can yellow, and some colors fade after long sun exposure. Compare bricks against each other in good light.
  • Stress marks and cracks. Look at hinges, clips and thin parts. Bent or whitened plastic can be weak.
  • Teeth marks, scratches and glue. Scratched transparent parts and glued bricks lower the value and may make a set harder to rebuild.
  • Odor. Smoke, pet and mildew smells are very hard to remove from plastic. For trade-ins, our policy is clear that we do not accept smoke-scented LEGO.
  • Non-LEGO pieces. Look for off-brand bricks mixed into a set. Our trade-in policy accepts only official LEGO products.

5. Understand condition terms

Sellers use different labels, so ask what they mean. These are common ones:

  • New, sealed. Unopened box.
  • Used, complete. Opened and built before, with all parts. Ask whether it comes with instructions, a box and stickers.
  • Used, incomplete. Missing one or more parts. A good listing says exactly which.
  • Bulk or loose. Parts sold by weight or by the bin, usually without a set number. Expect to sort.

6. Clean a used set safely

  1. Take the set apart and sort it into a mesh bag or a bowl.
  2. Wash in lukewarm water, no hotter than about 104°F (40°C), with a little mild dish soap.
  3. Use a soft toothbrush for dirt in corners, and swish the rest by hand.
  4. Rinse well and let everything air dry on a towel, away from direct sun.
  5. Do not use hot water, a dishwasher, a dryer, bleach or harsh chemicals. Keep electronic parts and stickered parts out of the water and wipe them with a slightly damp cloth.

Questions worth asking any seller

  • Is the set complete, and has it been checked against the parts list?
  • Are all the minifigures and their accessories included?
  • Are the instructions and box included?
  • Has the set been cleaned, and has it been stored in a smoke-free home?
  • Is there any discoloration, damage or non-LEGO pieces?
  • What is the return policy if something is missing?

Shopping with Florida Man’s Toys

We carry new and pre-owned LEGO sets and minifigures at our Daytona Beach store. You can browse new sealed sets and individual minifigures online and pick them up in the store, as we do not ship online orders. If you have a question about a set before you come in, reach us through our contact page. Details on hours and location are on our Daytona Beach LEGO store page.

Have used LEGO of your own? Trade-ins are by appointment only, and the details are on our Sell & Trade LEGO page.

Florida Man’s Toys is an independent store. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.