Buying a Treadmill Used For Sale
A treadmill is a key piece of fitness equipment found in many homes. Its high cost, however, can be prohibitive for those who want to own one.
You can find a top-quality used treadmill available for sale at just a fraction of the retail value. Here's how.
1. Look for Warranty
A treadmill is an important investment. Repairing or replacing a treadmill could be expensive. That's why it is important to look for an assurance on any used treadmill you're considering. A good treadmill should have at least a one-year warranty for labor and parts. This will provide you with peace of mind in case something goes wrong with the machine. If the treadmill doesn't have a warranty, you may want to consider purchasing an entirely new treadmill instead.
Many fitness centers or gyms sell treadmills to members who decide to upgrade their equipment or leave the club. You can also find them for auction on local classifieds sites or on websites for resales online and at garages or rummage and moving sales. Treadmills are difficult to move. If you see one at an auction or local store that seems right for you, you should buy it and be able to have it delivered by an experienced professional.
If you are looking for a treadmill, make sure to check out the website of the manufacturer. There, you will find the specifications of the treadmill, including its maximum weight capacity. This is important because it will show the strength of the frame and its construction. It can also be an excellent indicator of how the treadmill was maintained.
It is also important to ensure that the treadmill you're contemplating purchasing comes with a warranty covering the motor, the electronics and the running surface. If the treadmill isn't covered by warranty, you must think about buying it from a store that has one. In this way, if something happens to the treadmill in the first few years of ownership you'll be covered under the warranty.
Another option is to look at a thrift or resale store that specializes in sports equipment. They might not have as many treadmills as a fitness store but they usually have better prices on used equipment. These stores can also be a great option to locate gently used treadmills in good shape.
2. Check the Condition
People purchase used treadmills to save money. But, you shouldn't be swayed by that and end up buying a treadmill that might result in not functioning properly or perhaps not working at all. It's not unusual to see (or get service calls from) used treadmill buyers who purchase an item that was a "good bargain" at a garage or auction site and then have it shut down, overheat or stop functioning completely.
You can prevent this from happening by being extremely thorough when checking the treadmill in person. If you purchase from an online retailer, they might be in a position to arrange delivery for you or offer the option of returning the item. This could help you save time and stress. However, if you're dealing an individual seller, it isn't always easy. You'll have to rent a truck or beg some solid friends to help you transport the equipment back to your home if it's too big to fit in your car.
When inspecting the treadmill, make sure you examine the condition of the belt and motor. Also, pay attention to any levers, buttons, or touchscreens. Older treadmills typically have "resistive touchscreens' that can wear out from regular use. Modern treadmills, however, have 'capacitive touchscreens that are less likely to decline.
Make sure that the deck is in good condition and the deck is also in good condition. If you can feel any scratches, scoring, raised sections or blistering it's time to replace the belt and deck.
You should also check the motor for vibrations and excessive noise. A motor that is noisy could indicate a bearing issue that could be expensive to repair or replace.
Also, check the incline and speed settings to make sure they are working according to plan. A good incline setting can really test your muscles and help you reach your fitness goals quicker. Similar to a fast speed setting, that can prevent you from becoming bored while working out and challenge you to the limit. If they're not working properly you might end up wasting your money and, even more importantly injuring yourself.
3. Ask Questions
Asking a lot questions is crucial regardless of whether you purchase an old treadmill from a secondhand store or a private seller. The more you know about the history of the machine and its history, the better chance you have of getting a great deal and avoiding any future problems.
Begin by asking questions about the treadmill's past service history which includes any mechanical issues and how much the owner has used it. You can also look up online reviews to see what others have said about the performance and quality of the machine. This will help you determine if it's worth the investment or not.
The treadmill's age is another important aspect to take into consideration. It is best to stick with machines that are less than five years old. This gives you the best chance of finding replacement parts in the event of need.
Ask the owner how often they've used the treadmill and why they are selling it. If they've only used it a few times a week for an hour and a half, then the treadmill may still have plenty of life left in it. If the treadmill has been used nearly every day for six years, you may want to look elsewhere.
Once you're ready, jump on the machine and take a 10- to 20-minute ride. Be aware of any grinding or jerking sounds, as they could be signs that something isn't right. If the machine is working correctly, it will move smoothly and quietly. This makes your workout enjoyable and exhilarating.
Also, be sure to test out the console's features. You'll spend a lot of time staring at the screen, so it's crucial that the screen is easy to navigate and read. Also, take note of any extras that are included with the treadmill, for instance heart rate monitors and built-in workout programs.
Finally, ask the retailer or seller about the return policy and the warranty for the treadmill. This will help you decide whether it's worth the money and provide assurance in the event that something happens to your new purchase.
4. Make the Offer
It's possible to purchase an exercise machine for a significant amount of money, but you don't have too much. You can purchase a quality used treadmill for a lot less money if you do your homework and keep expectations in control. It may not be as efficient or stylish however, it can help you achieve your fitness goals.
Find out about the warranty offered by the manufacturer and any included repairs or replacements when looking for a used treadmill. Many manufacturers include a lifetime frame warranty and at least a 5-year guarantee on the motor and electronic. This is a good idea of the overall quality of a treadmill.
Asking about the history of a treadmill is a great thing to do. If the seller was the first owner, it's likely that they kept receipts for any repair or maintenance work done to the machine. This will give a better idea of how well the treadmill was taken care of, and whether it still has a life.
Another aspect to take into consideration when making an offer on treadmills is the amount of workouts that the treadmill has endured. If the treadmill was extensively used by someone who enjoys HIIT workouts, then the incline feature could be worn out. If the treadmill is used by a person who is constantly pushing buttons or levers frequently and is constantly moving them, these features will be worn out more quickly than if they weren't utilized frequently.
Finally, it's a good idea to test the treadmill before you make your final purchase. This is especially true if you're buying from a private seller and you'll need to transport it home by yourself. You don't want to take it home and discover that it's not running the way you need it to or that the dimensions of the machine aren't enough for your space. If treadmills on sale buying from a retail store they'll likely be able to arrange for delivery or allow you to test the treadmill in store before purchasing it.