yes I am back on the subject of shimano spinning reels! haha. I would have bought a symetre last week while I was at my local academy but they didn't have one.so yesterday I was on an auction site&i found 2 reels i'd be more interested in than the new symetre.one of them  is a new in the box(actually clamshell packaged)sahara 2500fd for $75 &the other is a symetre 3000 fj used but looks like its in good condition.the bid is currenly at $35.between those two which would you go for?

oh I forgot to mention I noticed Ring King had a new unused symetre 3000fj for sale(don't know if he's sold it yet or not) on here for $75.so i'd consider that one too

I like the sound of the new SY. Used is used no matter how good of shape. If you can steal it for $35-$40 bucks that's one thing, but I won't usually pay more than 60% of new for pre-owned.

I own both the FJ and the FL Symetre, I very much like the new FL but I have limited time with it as of yet. The FJ on the other hand I've fished a ton and if I were in a position in which I had to choose today between the two I'd go FJ all the way. I'm just comfortable knowing what I'm getting with the FJ, it's been a very solid performer for me in every aspect.  

That sounds to be about retail for the Sahara?  I'd think you can do better.

yeah I think retail is $80 on the sahara

I have a clarus with the old im7 graphite and love it. Got it on sale for $50 before they stopped carrying it.

I would pass on both.  They are both good reels but the price is to high for them being used.

bid on the used symetre has been bumped up to $45 now

The new symetre has one of the drive gear bearings downgraded to a plastic bushing. I liked my older symetre fjs better. The aluminum frames felt much better.