Buying a Treadmill Used For Sale
A treadmill is a key piece of fitness equipment in many homes. The price can be prohibitive for those who want to own one.
You can purchase a second-hand treadmill of high quality for a fraction of the price. Here's how.
1. Find a Warranty
A treadmill is an important investment. Repairing or replacing a treadmill can be expensive. This is why it's important to check for an assurance on any treadmill you're thinking of buying. A quality treadmill should come with at least a one-year guarantee for both labor and parts. This will provide you with peace of mind in case something goes wrong with the treadmill. If the treadmill does not have a warranty, you may want to consider purchasing an entirely new treadmill instead.
Many fitness centers or gyms offer treadmills to members who choose to upgrade their equipment or leave the gym. You can also find them for auction on local classifieds sites or on websites for resales online, at garage or rummage and moving sales. Treadmills are difficult to move. If you come across one in an auction or local store that seems right for you, purchase it and have it delivered to you by a professional.
When looking for a treadmill, be sure to check out the manufacturer's website. There you can see the treadmill's specifications, including its maximum weight capacity. This is important as it will tell you how sturdy the frame and construction of the treadmill is. It can also be an indicator of how the treadmill was kept in good condition.
You should also make sure that the treadmill you are considering comes with an insurance policy that covers the motor, the electronics and the running surface. If the treadmill does not have a warranty, it is worth considering buying it from a store that provides one. That way, if anything happens to the treadmill within the first few years of ownership the treadmill will be covered by the warranty.
Another option is to shop at a thrift store or resale shop that specializes in sporting equipment. While these stores might not be as abundant as treadmills that are available at fitness stores however, they usually offer lower prices on used equipment. They are also a good place to find treadmills that have been lightly used, but are still in good condition.
2. Examine the Condition
The main reason people choose to buy an old treadmill is to save money. Don't be afraid of purchasing a treadmill that may not perform as expected or even at all. It's not uncommon to read posts (or receive service calls) from buyers of used treadmills who bought the "good bargain" at an auction or garage sale auction only to have the treadmill stop working when they use it and overheat, cause damage to circuits or shut down completely.
You can prevent this from happening by being extremely thorough when checking the treadmill in the real. You might be able to arrange for delivery or the return policy in the event that you purchase from a retailer. This could make your life easier and less stressful. However, if you're dealing with private sellers, this isn't always easy. If the equipment won't fit into your car, you'll need to rent a truck. Or ask some friends who are strong to assist you.
Make sure you check the condition of the belt and motor when you check your treadmill. Be aware of any buttons, levers, or touchscreen areas. Older treadmills typically have "resistive touchscreens' that wear out from regular use. Modern treadmills have "capacitive touchscreens that are less likely to be damaged.
Check that the deck is in good condition as well. Replace the belt and deck if you notice any raised sections or blisters or scratches.
You'll also want to check the motor for any vibrations or excessive noise. A motor that is noisy could indicate an issue with the bearing that could be expensive to repair or replace.
Last but not least, make sure you check the speed and incline settings to make sure they are working as intended. A good incline can really challenge your muscles and aid you in reaching your fitness goals more quickly. A fast speed setting can also keep you from becoming bored and push you beyond your limits. If they're not functioning properly, you might end up wasting your money and, even more importantly, hurting yourself.
3. Ask Questions
If you're looking to purchase an old treadmill in a second-hand sports shop or from a private seller, it pays to ask lots of questions. The more you know about the history of the treadmill, the better your chances of getting a great deal and avoiding any future issues.
Ask about the history of service of the treadmill including any mechanical issues and how much it has been used. You can also read online reviews to see what others have said about the machine's quality and performance. This will help you determine whether it is worth the investment.
The treadmill's age is another important aspect to take into consideration. Generally, you want to keep your treadmills no more than five years old. This will give you the best chance of finding replacement parts in the event of need.
It is also important to find out what the current owner has used the treadmill and the reason they're selling it. If the treadmill has been used a few hours per week, it may still be in good working order. If the treadmill has been used nearly every day for six years, you may need to look elsewhere.
When you're ready, hop on the machine and go for 10 to 20 minutes for a ride. Pay attention to any jerking sensations or grinding sounds, which could be indicators of trouble. If the machine is functioning properly, it will move smoothly and quietly. This will make your workout enjoyable and thrilling.
Also, be sure you try the console's features. You'll spend a lot of time staring at the screen, so it's important that the screen is easy to read and navigate. Take note of any extras that come with the treadmill, such as heart rate monitoring and built-in exercise programs.
Ask the seller or retailer about the warranty and return policy on the treadmill. This will allow you to determine if the treadmill is worth it and give you security in case something goes wrong.
4. Make the Offer
A treadmill purchase can be costly but it doesn't need to be. You can purchase a quality used treadmill for a lot less money if do your homework and keep expectations in control. It may not be as sleek and fast however it can aid you in reaching your fitness goals.
Check the warranty of 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 electronics. This will give a good indicator of the quality of a treadmill.
It's also a good idea to ask about the background of the treadmill. If the seller was the original owner, it's likely that they kept receipts for any repair or maintenance work done to the machine. This will give you a better idea of how well the treadmill was maintained and if it still has life left in it.
When making an offer, you should also consider the number of workouts the treadmill has endured. If the treadmill was heavily used by a person who was obsessed with doing HIIT exercises and incline features, they could be diminished. In the same way, if the treadmill was heavily used by a person who was pushing levers or buttons all the time, those features might get worn out quicker than been if they weren't used as often.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to try the treadmill before making your final purchase. This is especially important if you are buying from a private seller and will be required to transport it home on your own. You don't need to bring the treadmill home only to find out that it isn't working as you expected or that its dimensions are too small for the space. If you're purchasing from treadmill a store, they will probably be able arrange delivery or let you test the treadmill before you buy it.