My guess would be, abused console breaks (deep scratches on case? indicates owner didn't care/was careless).
Owner goes to Walmart, buys another, switches broken console with new console and returns it.
You buy "new" PS3 and have just bought previous owner's broken console, complete with custom scratched case.
Check the serial number/manufacture date if you're curious. I wouldn't be surprised if it was an older console (or it could have just been a newer console that was dropped/whatever , then swapped with a new console and returned).







