This is a bit off-topic, but John asked several questions which
require a response. 
--- In Nikon-D70%40yahoogroups.com">Nikon-D70
yahoogroups.com, John Albino <digibytes...> wrote:
> [...]
> How do you define "test it first?" Do you test a new washing machine
> extensively before you buy it? Do you rent a car similar to the model
> you're interested in buying and test it over a lengthier period
> before you actually buy the car? (Many cars are sold without even
> allowing the purchaser to test drive it.)
>; [...]
For a washing machine, a self-test would be difficult unless one has
a firm "can return it" statement in writing. I'm looking for a new
one presently and am relying on feedback and blogs, and this has paid
off since some/many of the new HE washers have seal problems. I'm
still looking.
For a car, I did, in fact, rent the exact model of vehicle for one week
for an extended test and ended up buying the same model which now has
over 150,000 miles in 7 years. For my prior car, the dealer let me
take a 100 mile test drive up and down the San Francisco peninsula and
along mountain roads; I bought one and it lasted 250,000 miles and 23
years. To buy a car without a test drive seems risky.
For a camera, one could rent one for, say, a week to be sure it meets
one's needs and fits one's hands. For the D70, I have to admit that
when I first held one in my hands it was an instant sale which I
haven't regretted (and I now have and still use two .
Forums like this one and ones for the D3, D300, etc. are what people
should join prior to a purchase. Magazine and web reviews can provide
additional information.
I expect things that I buy to last me a long time, and I do take care
of everything I buy -- it's my money.
.
