Just an Xbox, not a 360, just to make that point clear.

So I've decided to get an Xbox. But I needed to ask some things first.

So here's the situation. I can either, buy one off my friend, which she bought on release in 2002, which is in perfect condition she says; but im yet to find out how much she wants me to pay for it. Or I can buy any old one from EB Games.

So here are my questions:
Are there any hardware faults or issues I should know about? As I am considering buying a release console off my friend, I was interested if there was any hardware problems at release or just problems in general.

Is there any other important details I should know when buying an xbox?

Besides Halo, do you have any other fun local multiplayer games to recommend? Or just great games in general? So far I've chosen to buy Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee because I really want to play the rest of the Oddworld series. And I was thinking about maybe getting Halo, but my mates already got it, and I would only play multiplayer with him, so might as well just play his copy.

Also, is buying pre-owned video game stuff dodgy?

That's all! Thanks in advance.

Some of the DVD drives seem to get read errors on original XBox models as they get older.  Mine is like that.  I'd ask her if she ever gets such errors before buying.  The next consideration is will EB Games give you any warranty.  Bascially if your friend says there are no read errors ever and if the price is decently lower than EB, I say go for it.  But if she ever gets read errors then probably better to go with getting from EB.

As to used games.  Here is my advice.  When buying one inspect the disc.  If they have multiple copies at the store never be afraid to ask, "hey can you do me a favor and give me the one you have thats in the best shape".  If you can't see any scratches it should be fine.  Just watch for games where you may actually want the manual, for games like that I will only buy if they have the manual with it.  And any decent used store gives you some time to bring it back if the disc won't run, to exchange for another used copy.

Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire are masterpieces in my book.  They are not multiplayer, but they are astounding games.

More info on original Xbox DVD read issues here:

http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Repairs/xbox_dvd_repair.htm

The best games I've played on the Xbox:
You cannot miss them:

• Shenmue 2 (F.R.E.E.)
  
  
• Jet Set Radio Future (Action)
  
  
• Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic (RPG)
  
  
• Panzer Dragoon Orta (Shooter)
  
  
• Fable (RPG)
  
  
• Jade Empire (RPG)
  
  
• Halo (FPS)
  
  
• Halo 2 (FPS)

why an original xbox?? if you get a 360 most games are backwards compatible.

And considering how cheap xbox's are i wouldn't worry about fail rates.

I second everything he said, and would add Crimson Skies and especially The Warriors to the list.

360 is just out of the price range for me at the moment. And in PAL 60Hz territories, the 360 is not backwards compatable with Munch's Oddysee, the game I want the xbox most for, and isn't compatable at all with Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath, the other game I really want.