Buying a refurbished camera?

My smarter-than-me strangers…

I'm looking to buy a new Nikon camera, a D3100, with the extra 55-200 mm zoom VR lens. I want to save money, so I have one simple question… Should I buy refurbished? Or should I stay away from that and get a completely new camera? What is the difference between refurbished and new?

If your buying from eBay and it says refurbished, don't fall for it. It is mostly people trying to make their camera sell for more because it says it is refurbished. I would personally buy a second hand one but as you want a newish one, you should buy a new one (from eBay or online as it is cheaper) but avoid the refurbished nonsense.

A Nikon refurbished by Nikon can be distinguished from new only by the price.

a Nikon refurbished by anybody else is suspect - don't touch it unless it comes with a warranty.