can i bring a second hand macbook pro to the apple store?

You certainly may bring a second hand MBP to an Apple store. A few months ago I purchased a used MBP and had it checked out at the local Apple store genius bar. (It tested fine)

Ciao.

AppleCare is connected to a mac. not a person. And if it is out of warranty, then Apple only cares if it is fixing an individual's hack-repair or if you can pay for any repair you want.