What to look for in a used treadmill
Have you got sticker shock when you look at the prices of new treadmills? Maybe a used treadmill will suit your needs? Before you invest any of your hard earned money on a used treadmill, follow these tips so you don't end up with a piece of junk.
1. Buy a name brand treadmill from a known manufacturer. If you've never heard of the company that makes it, don't waste your time and money - keep looking.
2. Don't ever buy a used treadmill that's more than five years old. Like any kind of machine, a treadmill needs to be serviced and maintained at regular intervals. If the treadmill you're considering is older than 5 years, chances are it's due for some repairs, or headed for a major breakdown.
The one exception to this rule would be if you can find an older model that you're confident hasn't seen any heavy use. Many people buy a treadmill with good intentions, then is just sits in the basement for 3-4 years and never gets used.
3. Never pay more than 50% of the original sticker price of a used treadmill. To get a good deal you must do some homework and figure out how much the treadmill cost when it was brand new. Once you have established this number, offer no more than 50% of that price. Ideally you'd want to keep your offer somewhere in the 35-40% range.
4. Ask the seller of the used treadmill the following questions before you buy it.
*who manufactured the treadmill?
*what is the continuous horsepower?
*what size is the treadbelt? (don't accept less than 18"x50")
*is the treadmill under warranty?
*where did you purchase the treadmill?
*have you had any problems with the machine?
*does it fold?
*does it offer cushioning or shock absorption?
*what information does the console display (calories, time, distance etc.)
With these basic questions answered about the used treadmill you're shopping for, you should be well on your way to finding a good used treadmill.
Bret
1. Buy a name brand treadmill from a known manufacturer. If you've never heard of the company that makes it, don't waste your time and money - keep looking.
2. Don't ever buy a used treadmill that's more than five years old. Like any kind of machine, a treadmill needs to be serviced and maintained at regular intervals. If the treadmill you're considering is older than 5 years, chances are it's due for some repairs, or headed for a major breakdown.
The one exception to this rule would be if you can find an older model that you're confident hasn't seen any heavy use. Many people buy a treadmill with good intentions, then is just sits in the basement for 3-4 years and never gets used.
3. Never pay more than 50% of the original sticker price of a used treadmill. To get a good deal you must do some homework and figure out how much the treadmill cost when it was brand new. Once you have established this number, offer no more than 50% of that price. Ideally you'd want to keep your offer somewhere in the 35-40% range.
4. Ask the seller of the used treadmill the following questions before you buy it.
*who manufactured the treadmill?
*what is the continuous horsepower?
*what size is the treadbelt? (don't accept less than 18"x50")
*is the treadmill under warranty?
*where did you purchase the treadmill?
*have you had any problems with the machine?
*does it fold?
*does it offer cushioning or shock absorption?
*what information does the console display (calories, time, distance etc.)
With these basic questions answered about the used treadmill you're shopping for, you should be well on your way to finding a good used treadmill.
Bret
