Buying a Treadmill Used For Sale

A treadmill is a key piece of fitness equipment in many homes. The steep price tag can be prohibitive to those who want to own one.

It's a good thing that you can find a high-quality used treadmill available for sale for less than its retail value. Here's how.

1. Look for the warranty

A treadmill is a significant investment. It could also be expensive to repair or replace if it breaks down. That's why it is important to ensure that you have an assurance on any used treadmill you're considering. A quality treadmill will come with a minimum warranty of one year for both labor and parts. This will give peace of mind if something goes wrong. You may want to purchase a new treadmill if the treadmill doesn't come with a warranty.

Many gyms or fitness centers sell treadmills to members who choose to upgrade their equipment or leave the club. You can also find them for sale on local classifieds sites and online resale sites, at garage or rummage and moving sales. Treadmills are normally not very easily moved, so if you see one for sale or in a local retailer and it looks like it is the right one for you, it is best to buy it then and be delivered by a professional who can handle the weight and size of the machine.

When looking for a treadmill, be sure to check out the manufacturer's website. You can find the specifications of the treadmill, including its maximum capacity. This is crucial because it will reveal how solid the frame and the construction of the treadmill is. It could also be an indicator of how well the treadmill was maintained.

It is important to make sure that the treadmill you're considering comes with a warranty covering the motor, the electronics and the running surface. If the treadmill is not covered by warranty, you must look into purchasing it from a seller who has one. If something happens to your treadmill in the first few years, the warranty will cover you.

Another option is to look at a thrift or resale store that specializes in sports equipment. While these places may not be as abundant as treadmills at a fitness store, they can often offer better deals on used equipment. They are also a good place to find treadmills that have been lightly used, but are still in good condition.

2. Check the Condition

People purchase used treadmills to save money. However, don't let that deter you from purchasing a treadmill that could be faulty or perhaps not working in any way. It's not unusual to see (or receive service calls from) used treadmill buyers who bought the "good bargain" at a garage sale or online auction but only to see it shut down, overheat or stop functioning completely.

Make sure you inspect the treadmill in person. You may be able arrange for delivery or a return policy when you purchase from an online retailer. This can save you a lot of hassle. However, if you're dealing with private sellers, this isn't always easy. You'll need to rent a truck or beg some sturdy friends to help carry the equipment back home if it's too big to fit in your vehicle.

While inspecting the treadmill make sure you examine the condition of the belt and motor. Be aware of any buttons, levers, or touchscreens. Older treadmills typically have "resistive touchscreens' that can wear out due to frequent use. Newer treadmills are equipped with 'capacitive touchscreens which are less likely to be damaged.

Make sure the deck is in good condition as well. If you feel scratches or scoring, raised areas or blistering then it's time to replace the belt and deck.

You'll also want to check the motor for vibration and excessive noise. A motor that is noisy could indicate the presence of a bearing problem that can be costly to fix or replace.

Also, check the incline and speed settings to be sure they are working according to plan. An incline that is well-designed can challenge your muscles and aid you in reaching your fitness goals quicker. Similar to the speed setting, which can keep you from becoming bored while working out and push you to your limits. If they're not working correctly, you could end up wasting money or worse, causing injury to yourself.

3. Ask Questions

If you're purchasing a treadmill home gym that is being sold at a second-hand sports store or from an individual seller, it pays to inquire a lot. 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 about the treadmill's history of service and any mechanical issues, and how often the owner has used it. You can also read online reviews to find out what others have to say about the quality and performance of the machine. This will help you determine whether it's worth the money or not.

The treadmill's age is a crucial aspect to consider. You should ideally stick with treadmills that are less five years old. This will give you the best chance of locating replacement parts should you need them.

Ask the owner how often they have used the treadmill and the reasons for selling it. If they've only used it a few times per week for an hour or so, then the treadmill could still have plenty of life left in it. If the treadmill has been used nearly every day for the past six years, you may need to consider a different option.

Once you're all set, hop on the machine and go for an hour to 20 minutes ride. Be aware of any grinding or jerking sounds, as they could indicate that something is not right. If the machine is operating correctly, it will operate smoothly and quietly. This makes your workout enjoyable and exhilarating.

Also, be sure you test the console features. You'll be staring at your screen for long periods of time, so you want it to be easy to navigate and read. Take note of any extras included with the treadmill for sale like heart rate monitoring and built-in fitness programs.

Ask the seller or retailer about the return and warranty policies on the treadmill. This will help you decide if the treadmill near me is worth the investment and will give you peace of mind in the event that something goes wrong.

4. Make the Offer

The purchase of a treadmill isn't cheap, but it doesn't have to be. If you're willing to complete some research and keep your expectations in check you can find a great used treadmill for less than the new ones. It may not be as fast or sleek but it will help you achieve your fitness goals.

Find out about the warranty offered by the manufacturer as well as any included repairs or replacements when shopping for a used treadmill. A lot of manufacturers offer a lifetime frame warranty and at least a 5 year warranty on the motor and electronic. This will give you a good idea of the quality of the treadmill.

It's also a good idea to ask about the history of the treadmill. If the seller was the original owner, it's probable that they kept receipts for any repair or maintenance work that was done on the treadmill. This will provide you with a better idea of how the treadmill home has been maintained and will reveal whether there is any remaining life.

When negotiating an offer, you must take into consideration the number of workouts the treadmill has undergone. If the treadmill was heavily used by someone who loved doing HIIT workouts the incline feature could be reduced. If the treadmill is used by a person who presses buttons or levers constantly the features could wear out faster than if they weren't utilized frequently.

Finally, it's a good idea to test the treadmill before making your final purchase. This is especially important if you are buying from a private seller and have to bring it home on your own. You don't have to bring the treadmill home only to discover that it isn't working like you thought or its dimensions are too small for the space. If you're buying from a retailer, they will probably be able arrange delivery or will let you try the treadmill before purchasing it.