Buying a Treadmill Used For Sale
A treadmill is a key piece of fitness equipment in many homes. Its price, however, can be prohibitive for people who want to own one.
Thankfully, you can get a high-quality used treadmill available for sale at less than its retail price. Here's how.
1. Find a Warranty
A treadmill is a major investment. Repairing or replacing a treadmill could be costly. It's important to check for the warranty when considering used treadmills. A good treadmill will have an assurance of at least one year for parts and labor. This will give you peace of mind if something goes wrong. If the treadmill doesn't come with 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 gym. They can also be found for auction in local classifieds, online websites for resales, as well as at moving sales and garage sales or sale of rummage. Treadmills are generally not difficult to move and so if you come across one at an auction or in a local store and it seems like the right fit for you, it is recommended to purchase it and be delivered by a professional who can manage the weight and size of the equipment.
If you are looking for a treadmill, make sure to review the manufacturer's website. You can find the specifications of the treadmill, which include its maximum capacity. This is important as it will tell you how sturdy the frame and construction of the treadmill is. It could also indicate how well a treadmill was maintained.
It is also important to ensure that the treadmill you are considering has an insurance policy that covers the motor, the electronics and the running surface. If the treadmill doesn't have a warranty, it is worth considering purchasing it from a seller who offers one. If anything happens to your treadmill in the first few years the warranty will cover you.
Another option is to look at an resale or thrift store that specializes in sports equipment. These stores might not have the same number of treadmills as a fitness store but they often offer lower prices on used equipment. These stores are also a great location to find gently used treadmills that are in good condition.
2. Examine the Condition
People buy used treadmills to save money. Don't be afraid of buying a treadmill which may not perform as expected or even at all. It's not unusual to see (or receive service calls from) people who purchased an item that was a "good bargain" at a garage or online auction and then have it shut down or overheat, or even stop working entirely.
Make sure you inspect the treadmill thoroughly in the person. If you're buying from a retailer, they may be in a position to arrange delivery for you, or offer a return policy. This could save you a lot of stress. However, if you're dealing a private seller, that isn't always easy. If the item isn't going to fit in your car you'll have to rent a truck. Ask your friends who can help.
Examine the condition of the motor and belt when you inspect your treadmill. Pay attention to any levers, buttons or touchscreen areas. Older treadmills typically have "resistive touchscreens' that wear out from frequent use. Newer treadmills are equipped with 'capacitive touchscreens that are less likely to degrade.
Make sure that the deck is in good shape as well. If you notice scratches, scoring, raised sections or blistering it's time to replace the belt and deck.
Also, you should look for excessive noise and vibration. A noisy motor could be a sign of a bearing issue that may be costly to repair or replace.
The last thing to do is examine the speed and incline settings to ensure they're working as you intended. An incline that is properly set can challenge your muscles, and allow you to reach your fitness goals quicker. A speed setting that is quick can also keep you from becoming bored and push you beyond your limits. If treadmill for sale 're not functioning properly, you may end up wasting money or worse, causing injury to yourself.
3. Ask Questions
If you're looking to purchase a treadmill used for sale at a second-hand sports store or from an individual seller, it pays to ask a lot of questions. The more you know about the history of the treadmill more likely you are of getting a good deal and avoiding any problems in the future.
Find out the history of the service of the treadmill, including any mechanical problems and how much it has been used. You can also read online reviews to learn what others have said about the quality and performance of the machine. This will help you decide whether it is worth the investment.
Another important factor is to inquire about the age of the treadmill. In general, you should keep your treadmills no more than five years old. You'll have the best chance of finding spare parts, should you require them.
You should also find out what the current owner has used the treadmill and why they're selling it. If they've only used it a few times per week for about an hour or so, then the treadmill could still have plenty of life left in it. If, however, the treadmill has been used nearly every day over the past six years, you may be better off looking elsewhere.
If you're prepared to test the machine, jump on board and take an interval of 10 to 20 minutes. Pay attention to any jerking sensations or grinding sounds that could be signs of problems. If the machine is operating properly, it will move smoothly and quietly. This makes your workout enjoyable and thrilling.
Test out all the console features. You'll spend a lot of time staring at the screen, so it's essential that the screen is easy to navigate and read. Also, take note of any additional features included with the treadmill, like heart rate monitors or built-in workout programs.
Also, inquire with the retailer or seller about the return policy and warranty of the treadmill. This will help you determine whether it's worth the cost and will give you assurance in the event that anything happens to your new purchase.
4. Make the Offer
It's possible to purchase a treadmill for a substantial amount of money but you don't need to spend a lot of money. If you're willing to complete some research and keep your expectations in the right place you can find a great used treadmill for a lot less money than new ones. It may not be as sleek or speedy however it can help you reach your fitness goals.
Check the warranty of the manufacturer and any repairs or replacements while shopping for an used treadmill. A lot of manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on the frame, and at least a 5-year guarantee on the motors and electronic components. This gives a good indicator of the quality of the treadmill.
It's also recommended to inquire about the history of the treadmill. If the seller is the original owner of the treadmill, they may have kept the receipts of any maintenance or repairs done to the treadmill. This will give you a better idea of how the treadmill has been maintained and will let you know whether it has any life left in it.
When making an offer, it is important to also consider the amount of workouts the treadmill has undergone. If the treadmill was heavily used by someone who loves HIIT workouts, then the incline feature might be worn out. If the treadmill is used by a person who is constantly pushing buttons or levers frequently the features could be worn out more quickly than if they weren't used regularly.
It's also a good idea test the treadmill first before making your final decision. This is particularly true if you are buying from a private seller and will have to bring it home yourself. You don't want it home and find out that it's not running the way you want it to or that the dimensions of the machine aren't enough for the space you have. If you are buying from a retailer, they can likely arrange for delivery or allow you to test the treadmill in-store.