Treadmills can provide an efficient and convenient workout but are often expensive to buy. For this reason buying a used treadmill is often a better financial decision. Some considerations when choosing used treadmills include how old the machine is, whether the engine runs smoothly at all speeds and the size of the machine. The length of warranty — if there is one — is also a factor to consider.
The most important thing when buying a used treadmill is making sure that it is in good condition. Treadmill belts are often one of the first parts to show wear and tear so when testing the machine the buyer should check that there is no sign of skipping or jolting. At high speeds even a small skip in the belt can cause an injury. Generally, the engine also shouldn’t get dramatically louder when the speed of the treadmill belt is increased. If it does then this may be a sign that the engine is not in good condition.
Another consideration is where the used treadmill is being bought from. If the buyer is planning on purchasing a home treadmill from an online auction site then he or she needs to be aware of the potential problems. Aside from the fact that it’s difficult to know who the seller is there is also no opportunity to test the machine before the transaction. For this reason it’s essential to check the seller’s history and reputation.
Although the engine and belt are probably the two most important parts of a treadmill the display and onboard computer should also be inspected. If the screen is badly damaged then this could be a reason to ask for a reduction in price. If there is an incline function then this should provide a smooth change rather than a jerky or unpredictable one.
Buying a used treadmill has many things in common with buying a new one. For example, it’s still important for the buyer to research the product and read reviews as this will provide an overview of the machine’s quality as well as what features it comes with. It’s also still important to set a budget as there is a large range in used treadmill prices. Sometimes a used treadmill will still be under warranty from the manufacturer which is a major bonus.
In some cases it is possible to buy refurbished treadmills. These are similar to used treadmills except they have been serviced and hence the buyer can be sure that they are running correctly. Refurbished treadmills also usually have an extended warranty.