Buying a Treadmill Used For Sale
A treadmill is a crucial piece of fitness equipment in many homes. The high cost can be prohibitive to those who wish to own one.
You can buy a used treadmill of the highest quality for a fraction of the price. Here's how.
1. Look for the warranty
A treadmill is an essential investment. It can also be expensive to repair or replace it if it fails. It is important to look for warranties when considering used treadmills. A good treadmill should have at least a one-year guarantee for labor and parts. This will provide you with peace of mind in the event that something goes wrong with the treadmill. It is possible to purchase a new treadmill in the event that the machine doesn't have a warranty.
Many fitness centers or gyms sell treadmills to members who decide to upgrade their equipment or leave the gym. You can also find them for sale on local classifieds sites and online resale sites and at garages or rummage and moving sales. Treadmills are normally not very easy to move and so if you come across one for sale at auction or in a local shop and it seems like the perfect fit for you, it is ideal to purchase it and be delivered by a professional who knows how to handle the weight and size of the machine.
When you are searching for a treadmill, make sure to check out the manufacturer's website. There, you will find the treadmill's specifications, including its maximum weight capacity. This is important, as it will reveal the strength of the frame as well as its construction. It could also indicate how well a treadmill has been maintained.
You should also ensure that the treadmill you're considering is covered by a warranty that covers the motor as well as the electronics and running surface. If the treadmill does not come with a warranty, it is worth considering buying it from a store that offers one. If anything happens to your treadmill in the first few years the warranty will cover you.
Another option is to look at a thrift store or resale shop that is specialized in sports equipment. They might not have the same number of treadmills as fitness stores, however they typically offer lower prices on used equipment. They can also be an excellent source for treadmills that have been gently used, but are in good condition.
2. Verify the condition
The primary reason why people decide to purchase a used treadmill is to save money. You shouldn't be scared into buying a treadmill which may not perform as expected or even at all. It's not uncommon to see posts (or receive service calls) from buyers of used treadmills who purchased a "good bargain" at a garage sale or online auction only to have the machine shut down when in use and overheat, cause damage to circuits or simply stop working altogether.
You can avoid this by being very thorough when checking the treadmill in the person. If you purchase from an online retailer, they might be in a position to arrange delivery for you or provide a return policy. This could make your life easier and less stressful. However, if you're dealing with a private seller, that could be a challenge. If the equipment won't fit in your car you'll have to rent the truck. You can also ask your friends who are strong to help.
Make sure you check the condition of the motor and belt when inspecting your treadmill. Pay treadmill workouts attention to any buttons, levers, or touchscreens. Older treadmills often have'resistive touchscreens' that wear out from frequent use. Newer treadmills are equipped with 'capacitive touchscreens that are less likely to decline.
Make sure that the deck is in good condition as well. Replace the belt and deck if you notice any raised areas or blisters, or scratches.
You'll also want to check the motor for vibration and excessive noise. A noisy motor can indicate the presence of an issue with the bearing that could be extremely costly to fix or replace.
Last but not least, check the speed and incline settings to ensure that they're functioning as intended. An incline that is properly set can challenge your muscles, and help you reach your fitness goals faster. This is the same for an acceleration setting which will prevent you from getting bored while working out and challenge you to the limit. If they're not functioning correctly you might end up wasting your money and, even more importantly, hurting yourself.
3. Ask Questions
Whether you're buying a treadmill that is being sold at a second-hand store for sports or from a private seller, you should ask a lot of questions. The more you learn about the history of the treadmill and its history, the better chance you have of getting a great bargain and avoiding future issues.
Begin by asking questions about the treadmill's history of service which includes any mechanical issues and how long the owner has used it. You can also look through online reviews to see what others have to say about the treadmill's quality and performance. This will help you decide if it's worth the investment or not.
Another important thing to remember is to inquire about the age of the treadmill. It is recommended to stick with machines that are no more than five years old. This will give you the most chance of locating replacement parts should you need them.
You should also determine how long the current owner has used the machine and why they're selling it. If the treadmill has been used a few hours a week, it might be in good shape. If the treadmill has been used nearly every day for the past six years, you may want to consider a different option.
Once you're ready, jump on the machine and go for 10 to 20 minutes for a ride. Be attentive to any jerking sensations or grinding noises, which could be indicators of problems. If the machine is operating properly, it should move smoothly and quiet, making your workout experience exciting and thrilling.
Try out all the console features. You'll spend a lot of time staring at the screen, so it's crucial that it is easy to read and navigate. Also, take note of any additional features that are included with the treadmill, like heart rate monitors or built-in workout programs.
Ask the seller or retailer about the warranty and return policy on the treadmill. This will help you determine if it's worth the investment and will provide peace of mind in case anything happens to your new purchase.
4. Make the Offer
A treadmill purchase isn't cheap however it doesn't have to be. You can get a good used treadmill for less money if make sure you do your research and keep your expectations in control. It may not be as efficient or sleek, but it can still aid you in achieving your fitness goals.
Ask about the warranty of the manufacturer and any included repairs or replacements when looking for a used treadmill. Many manufacturers include a lifetime frame warranty, as well as at least a 5-year guarantee for the motor and electronics. This gives a good indicator of the quality of treadmills.
Asking about the history of the treadmill is another good option. If the seller is the original owner of the treadmill, they could have kept the receipts of any repairs or maintenance done to the treadmill. This will give a clear idea about how well the treadmill was taken care of, and whether it still has life in it.
When negotiating an offer, you should also consider the number of workouts the treadmill has undergone. If the treadmill was extensively used by someone who is a fan of HIIT exercises, then the incline feature may be worn out. If the treadmill is used by a person who presses buttons or levers constantly and is constantly moving them, these features will wear out faster than if they were not used as often.
It's also a good idea to run the treadmill for a few minutes before deciding on the purchase. This is especially true if you're buying from a private seller and will need to bring it home yourself. You don't want to bring it home only to discover that it's not running the way you want it to or that the dimensions of the treadmill are too small for your space. If you are buying from a retailer, they can likely arrange delivery or allow you to test the treadmill in-store.