Buying a Treadmill Used For Sale
A treadmill is a crucial piece of fitness equipment found in many homes. The price can be prohibitive to those who would like to own one.
It's a good thing that you can find a high-quality used treadmill for sale at a fraction of its retail price. Here's how.
1. Find a Warranty
A treadmill is a major investment. Repairing or replacing a treadmill could be expensive. That's why it is important to look for an assurance on any treadmill you're considering buying. A quality treadmill will come with an assurance of at least one year for labor and parts. This will give you peace of mind if something goes wrong. You might want to buy a new treadmill in the event that the machine doesn't have a warranty.
Many fitness centers or gyms offer treadmills to members who choose to upgrade their equipment or leave the gym. They can also be found for sale in local classifieds, online websites for resales, as well as at garage sales or sales of rummage. Treadmills can be difficult to move. If you come across one at an auction or local store that seems right for you, you should buy it and be able to have it delivered by a professional.
If you are looking for a treadmill, make sure to check out the manufacturer's website. There are specifications of the treadmill, which include its maximum capacity. This is important, as it will tell you the strength of the frame and its construction. It is also a good indicator of how the treadmill was maintained.
It is also important to ensure that the treadmill you are considering comes with an insurance policy that covers the motor, the electronics, and the running surface. If the treadmill is not covered by warranty, you must look into purchasing it from a retailer that provides one. That way, if anything happens to the treadmill during the first few years of ownership, you'll be covered by the warranty.
Another option is to shop at a thrift or resale store that is specialized in sporting equipment. They might not have as many treadmills as a fitness store but they often offer lower prices on used equipment. They can also be an excellent place to locate treadmills that have been lightly used, but are still in good condition.
2. Examine the condition
The primary reason why people decide to purchase a used treadmill is to save money. But, you shouldn't let that deter you from purchasing a treadmill that could be faulty or even not functioning in any way. It's not uncommon to read posts (or receive service calls) from used treadmill buyers who purchased the "good bargain" at a garage sale or online auction only to have the treadmill stop working when in use and overheat, cause damage to circuits or shut down completely.
Make sure you inspect the treadmill in the real. If treadmill for home purchasing from a retailer, they may be able to arrange delivery for you, or offer a return policy. This could save you a lot of trouble. But if you're dealing with an individual seller, it could be a challenge. You'll need to lease a truck or beg some strong friends to help you transport the equipment back to your home if it's too big to fit in your car.
Examine the condition of the motor and belt when you inspect your treadmill. Be sure to pay attention to any levers, buttons, or touchscreens. Older treadmills typically have'resistive' touchscreens that can wear down from frequent use, whereas newer treadmills have 'capacitive' touchscreens that are less likely to be damaged.
Make sure the deck is in good condition as well. Replace the belt and deck if you feel any raised sections, blisters, or scratches.
Also, you should look for excessive noise and vibration. A motor that is noisy could indicate an issue with the bearing that may be costly to repair or replace.
Lastly, look at the incline and speed settings to ensure they are working in the way you want them to. A good incline setting can really test your muscles and help you achieve your fitness goals more quickly. Similar to the speed setting, that can prevent you from becoming bored while exercising and push you to your limits. If they're not working properly you could end up wasting your money, and worse harming yourself.
3. Ask Questions
If you're looking to purchase an old treadmill at a second-hand store for sports or from a private seller, you should inquire a lot. The more you know about the background of the machine, the better your chances of getting a great deal and avoiding any future issues.
Ask about the service history of the treadmill and any mechanical issues and the amount it has been used. You can also look through online reviews to see what others have said about the machine's quality and performance. This will help you determine if the machine is worth your investment.
Another important thing to remember is to inquire about the age of the treadmill. Generally, you want to keep your treadmills 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 have used the treadmill and the reason for selling it. If they've only used it a couple of times per week for an hour or so, then the treadmill could still have plenty of life in it. If the treadmill has been used almost every day for the past six years, you may need to consider a different option.
If you're ready to try the machine, jump on board and take an interval of 10 to 20 minutes. Pay attention to any jerking or grinding sounds, which could be signs of trouble. If the machine is functioning correctly, it will operate smoothly and quietly. This will make your workout enjoyable and exhilarating.
Try out all the features of the console. You'll be staring at your screen for a long time, so you want it to be easy to navigate and read. Also, keep track of any additional features that are included with the treadmill, for instance heart rate monitors and built-in workout programs.
Ask the retailer or seller about the return and warranty policies on the treadmill. This will allow you to determine if the treadmill is worth the investment and will give you peace of mind in the event that something goes wrong.
4. Make the Offer
It is possible to buy an exercise machine for a significant amount of money however, you don't need to spend a lot of money. You can find a decent used treadmill for much less money if do your homework and keep expectations in check. It might not be as sleek or speedy but it'll aid you in reaching your fitness goals.
When shopping for a used treadmill, you should look at the manufacturer warranty and ask about any repair or replacement parts that are included. A lot of manufacturers offer a lifetime frame warranty, as well as at least a 5-year warranty on the motor and electronics. This will give you an idea of the quality of the treadmill.
Inquiring about the history of the treadmill is a great option. If the seller was the original owner of the treadmill, they may have kept the receipts of any repairs or maintenance made to the machine. This will give you a better idea about how well the treadmill was maintained and if it has life left in it.
When you are making an offer, it is important to also consider the amount of workouts the treadmill has undergone. If the treadmill was frequently used by a person who is a fan of HIIT workouts then the incline feature could be worn out. Similar to when the treadmill was used by someone who pushed levers or buttons all the time the features could be worn out faster than they would have been if they weren't used as much.
It's also 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 will have to bring it yourself. You don't want it home and discover that it doesn't run like you need it to or that the dimensions of the treadmill are too small for the space you have. If you purchase from a retailer, they can likely arrange delivery or let you test the treadmill in-store.