Question on turbo repair prices

[KPEclipse]

I have been looking to do a turbo upgrade from my t25 without being too pricy for almost a year now. Finally, no further than the dsmtuners forum, did I find in the classifieds a bolt on t28 for a price I can definately afford. But what worries me now is this. First off, the person who I am looking to buy the turbo from, he says he's going to take pictures, and when I get them I'll definately post them to see waht you turbo experts say about the condition of the turbo. But as I was saying, I'm worried about the condition of the turbo (aka shaftplay, fin damage, cracks in the case etc.)

But I want this turbo, BADLY. I'm sick of my t25, and everytime I look at or for a 16g (preferably an EVO III) they are way far out of my price range considering the price of the turbo, then the install kit, then labor (because I'm still learning to put parts on myself, and my turbo is one thing I'd rather not mess with). When it comes to turbo's, first off, what opinion do some of you have? Cuz I really am sick of my t25, but money is definately an issue...

Also, lets say I go ahead and do get this t28, and something is wrong with it...will it be rediculously expensive to repair or...

 

[Mirage1]

Here is another option for you. Pick up a 16G new for around $600.

Then delete the cooling lines. This really simplifies this upgrade. PLUS the stock cooling lines dump the hot coolant back into the cooling system right before the cylinder head. Thus heating up the head when you really need it as cool as possible.

This reduces the parts needed for the upgrade. Just do the rest of the hacker/tweak 2G 16G install instructions and you are done.