Buying a Treadmill Used For Sale
A treadmill is an essential piece of fitness equipment in many homes. The steep price tag can be prohibitive for those who want to own one.
You can purchase a second-hand treadmill that is of top quality for a fraction of the price. Here's how.
1. Look for the warranty
A treadmill is a significant investment. It can also be very expensive to repair or replace it if it breaks down. It is important to look for the warranty when considering used treadmills. A quality treadmill will come with a warranty of at least one year for parts and labor. This will provide you with peace of mind should something go wrong with the treadmill. If the treadmill doesn't come with a warranty, you might want to think about purchasing an entirely new treadmill instead.
Many fitness centers or gyms sell treadmills to members who decide to upgrade their equipment or leave the club. They are also available for auction on local classifieds sites, online resale websites, at garage or rummage sales, and even at moving sales. Treadmills are difficult to move. If you come across one at an auction or local store that looks right for you, purchase it and get it delivered to you by an expert.
If you are looking for a treadmill, make sure you check the website of the manufacturer. You can find the specifications of the treadmill, including its maximum capacity. This is crucial, since it will show the strength of the frame and its construction. It can also indicate how well the 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 come with an assurance, it's worth looking into buying it from a seller who provides one. That way, if anything happens to the treadmill in the first few years of ownership, you'll be covered by the warranty.
Another option is to look at a thrift or resale store that is focused on sports equipment. These places might not have as many treadmills as fitness stores, but they often offer better prices on used equipment. These stores can also be a great place to find gently used treadmills in good condition.
2. Check the condition
The primary reason why people decide to buy an old treadmill is to save money. You shouldn't be scared into purchasing a treadmill that may not perform as expected or even at all. It's not uncommon to see (or get service calls from) people who purchased a "good bargain" at a garage sale or auction site but only to see it shut down overheated or stopped completely.
Make sure you inspect the treadmill thoroughly in person. You might be able to arrange for delivery or an exchange policy if you purchase from a retailer. This could save you a lot of stress. But if you're dealing with private sellers, this can be tricky. You'll have to rent trucks or ask sturdy friends to help bring the equipment home if it's not able to fit in your car.
When you inspect the treadmill, ensure that you check the condition of the motor and belt. Be aware of any levers, buttons or touchscreens. Older treadmills typically have'resistive' touchscreens that can be damaged by frequent use, while newer treadmills have 'capacitive' touchscreens that are less likely to wear down.
Examine the deck too. Replace the belt and deck if you notice any raised sections or blisters or scratches.
It is also important to look for excessive noise and vibration. A noisy motor may indicate a bearing issue 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. An incline that is properly set can challenge your muscles and help you reach your fitness goals more quickly. A fast speed setting can also keep you from getting bored and push you beyond your limits. If they're not functioning correctly, you might end up wasting your money and even worse injuring yourself.
3. Ask Questions
If you're purchasing a treadmill that is being sold at a second-hand sports store or from a private seller, it pays to ask a lot of questions. The more you know about the history of the treadmill and its history, the better chance you have of getting a bargain and avoiding any future problems.
Find out the history of the service of the treadmill and any mechanical issues and how much it has been used. You can also check out online reviews to see what other people have said about the machine's quality and performance. This will help you decide whether it's worth the money or not.
Another important factor is to ask about the age of the treadmill. You should generally stick to treadmills that are less than five years old. You will have the best chance to find spare parts, should you require them.
Ask the owner how often they've used the treadmill and the reason for selling it. If they've only used it a few times a week for an hour and a half, then the treadmill may still have plenty of life in it. If, however, the treadmill has been used almost every day for the past six years, then you might be better off searching for a different one.
Once you're all set, hop on the machine and take an hour to 20 minutes ride. Be aware of any jerking or grinding sounds, as they could indicate that something isn't right. If treadmill for sale is operating properly, it will move smoothly and quietly. This makes your workout enjoyable and thrilling.
Test out all the console features. You'll be spending a lot 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 like heart rate monitoring and built-in exercise programs.
Ask the seller or retailer about the warranty and return policy on the treadmill. This will help you determine whether it's worth the money and will give you security in the event that something goes wrong with your new purchase.
4. Make the Offer
It's possible to purchase an exercise machine for a significant amount of money however, you don't need too much. If you're willing to complete some homework and keep your expectations in the right place you are able to find a good used treadmill for less than a brand new one. It may not be as sleek and speedy but it'll aid you in achieving your fitness goals.
Find out about the warranty offered by the manufacturer and any included repairs or replacements when shopping for an used treadmill. A lot of manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty for the frame and at least a 5-year guarantee on the motors and electronic components. This will give an accurate idea of the overall quality of treadmills.
Inquiring about the history of the treadmill is a great idea to ask. If the seller is the original owner of the treadmill, they may have kept receipts for any maintenance or repairs done to the machine. This will provide you with a better idea of how the treadmill has been taken care of and will tell you whether it has any remaining life in it.
When you are making an offer, it is important to be aware of the number of workouts that the treadmill has endured. If the treadmill was frequently used by a person who enjoys HIIT workouts, then the incline feature could be worn out. If the treadmill is used by someone who pushes buttons or levers continuously and is constantly moving them, these features will be worn out more quickly than if they weren't used regularly.
In the end, it's recommended to test the treadmill before you make your final purchase. This is especially true when you purchase from a private seller and will have to bring it home yourself. You don't need to bring the treadmill home only to discover that it doesn't work as you expected or that its dimensions are too small for the space. If you're buying from an online retailer, they will likely arrange for delivery or let you test the treadmill at their store.