Buying a Treadmill Used For Sale
A treadmill is a crucial piece of fitness equipment in many homes. Its price, however, can be prohibitive for people who want to own one.
You can buy a used treadmill of the highest quality for a fraction of the cost. Here's how.
1. Find a Warranty
A treadmill is an important investment. Repairing or replacing a treadmill could be costly. This is why it's important to check for an insurance policy on any treadmill you're thinking of buying. A quality treadmill should come with at least a one-year warranty for both labor and parts. This will give peace of mind in the event that something goes wrong. If the treadmill doesn't come with a warranty, you might want to consider buying an entirely new treadmill instead.
Many fitness centers and gyms offer treadmills for sale when members decide to upgrade or leave the gym. They are also for auction in local classifieds, on online websites for resales, and at moving sales and garage sales or sale of rummage.
Treadmills aren't easy to move. If you come across one in an auction or local store that seems right for you, buy it and have it delivered to you by a professional.
When you are searching for a treadmill, be sure to check out the manufacturer's website. You can find the treadmill's specifications, which include its maximum weight capacity. This is important, as it will tell you the strength of the frame as well as its construction. It is also an excellent indicator of how the treadmill was maintained.
It is important to make sure that the treadmill you're considering comes with an insurance policy that covers the motor, the electronics and the running surface. If the treadmill isn't covered by an assurance, you ought to look into purchasing it from a seller who provides one. This way, if something happens to the treadmill within the first few years of ownership you'll be covered under the warranty.
You can also go to a resale or thrift store that is focused on sporting equipment. They may not have the same number of treadmills as fitness stores, but they usually have cheaper prices on used equipment. They are also an excellent source for
treadmills on sale that are lightly used, but are in good condition.
2. Check the Condition
The main reason people opt to buy a used treadmill is to save money. But, you shouldn't be swayed by that and end up purchasing a treadmill that could result in not functioning properly or not working at all. It's not unusual to see (or get service calls from) people who purchase an item that was a "good bargain" at a garage or online auction, only to have it shut down or overheat, or even stop functioning completely.
You can avoid this by being very thorough when inspecting the treadmill in person. You might be able to arrange for delivery or an exchange policy when you purchase from a retailer. This could save you a lot of stress. If you're dealing directly with the seller, it might be a bit challenging. You'll need to rent trucks or ask sturdy friends to help bring the equipment home if it's too big to fit in your vehicle.
Make sure you check the condition of the belt and motor when you inspect your treadmill. Also pay attention to any functional buttons, levers or touchscreen areas. The older treadmills usually have'resistive touchscreens' that wear out due to frequent use. Modern treadmills have "capacitive touchscreens' that are less likely be damaged.
Examine the deck too. Replace the belt and deck if you feel any raised areas or blisters, or scratches.
Also, you should look for excessive noise and vibration. A noisy motor could be a sign of an issue with the bearing that could be expensive to repair or replace.
The last thing to do is check the settings for speed and incline to ensure they're working as you intended. A well-designed incline setting can really test your muscles and help you meet your fitness goals faster. A speed setting that is fast can also keep you from becoming bored and push you to your limits. If they don't function properly, you could end up wasting money or worse, causing injury to yourself.
3. Ask Questions
If you're purchasing a
treadmill used for sale in a second-hand sports shop or from an individual seller, it's important to ask lots of questions. The more you know about the machine's history and its history, the better chances you'll get the best bargain and avoiding future issues.
Start by asking about the treadmill's past service history, including any mechanical issues and how much the owner has used it. You can also look through online reviews to see what others have had to say about the treadmill's quality and performance. This will help you decide if it's worth the investment or not.
The treadmill's age is a crucial 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.
You should also determine what the current owner has used the machine and why they're selling it. If the treadmill has been used for a few hours a week, it could be in good condition. If the treadmill has been used nearly every day for a period of six years, you may need to look elsewhere.
If you're prepared to test the machine, hop on board and take an interval of 10 to 20 minutes. Be aware of any jerking or grinding sounds, as these may indicate that something is not right. If the machine is functioning properly, it will move smoothly and quietly. This will make your workout enjoyable and exhilarating.
Test out all the console features. You'll be spending a significant amount of time staring at the screen, so it's crucial that it's easy to read and navigate. Take note of any extras included with the
treadmill for home use such as heart rate monitoring and built-in workout programs.
Finally, ask the seller or retailer about the return policy and the warranty for the treadmill. This will help you decide if the treadmill is worth the cost and provide you with peace of mind in the event that something goes wrong.
4. Make the Offer
Buying a treadmill can be costly, but it doesn't have to be. If you're willing to complete some research and keep your expectations in control You can find a great used treadmill for less than the new one. It may not be as efficient or sleek however, it can aid you in reaching your fitness goals.
When you are looking for a used treadmill, be sure to look at the manufacturer warranty and ask about any repairs 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 electronic. This will give you a good idea of the quality of the treadmill.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire about the history of the treadmill. If the seller was the original owner of the treadmill, they could have kept the receipts of any repairs or maintenance done to the machine. This will give you a better idea of how well the treadmill was taken care of and if it still has a life.
Another thing to consider when negotiating an offer on the treadmill is the amount of workouts that the treadmill has gone through. If the treadmill has been extensively used by someone who is a fan of HIIT workouts then the incline feature could be worn out. In the same way, when the treadmill was used by a person who had to push levers or buttons all the time the features could get worn out quicker than if they were not utilized as frequently.
It's also a good idea run the treadmill for a few minutes before deciding on the purchase. This is particularly true in the event that you're purchasing from a private seller and will need to bring it home yourself. You don't want to take it home and find out that it isn't running as you want it to or that the dimensions of the treadmill are too small to fit in your space. If you're buying from an online retailer, they will probably arrange for delivery or allow you to test the treadmill in-store.
