Buying a Treadmill Used For Sale
A treadmill is a crucial piece of fitness equipment in many homes. Its steep price tag, however, can be prohibitive for people who want to own one.
You can buy a used treadmill of high quality for a fraction the price. Here's how.
1. Check for a Warranty
A treadmill is a significant investment. Repairing or replacing a treadmill could be expensive. This is why it's important to ensure that you have an insurance policy on any treadmill you're considering buying. A quality treadmill will come with an assurance of at least one year for labor and parts. This will give you peace of heart in case something goes wrong with the machine. If the treadmill does not have a warranty, you may want to consider purchasing an entirely new treadmill instead.
Many fitness centers or gyms sell treadmills to members who choose to upgrade their equipment or leave the club. They are also for auction in local classifieds, on online websites for resales, as well as at moving sales and garage or rummage sales. Treadmills are normally not very difficult to move, so if you see one for sale at auction or in a local retailer and it appears to be it is the right one for you, it's best to buy it then and have it delivered by a professional who is able to manage the weight and size of the equipment.
Make sure to visit the website of the manufacturer when you are looking for the latest treadmill. There, you will find the treadmill's specifications, which include its maximum capacity for weight. This is important because it will reveal how solid the frame and construction of the treadmill is. It could be a sign of how well a treadmill has been maintained.
It is also important to ensure that the treadmill you're considering is covered by an assurance that covers the motor, electronics, and running surface. If the treadmill doesn't come with a warranty, it is worth looking into buying it from a seller who offers one. That way, if anything happens to the treadmill in the first few years of ownership you'll be covered under the warranty.
Another option is to shop at a thrift or resale store that is focused on sports equipment. While these stores might not be as abundant as treadmills that are available at a fitness store but they often have better deals on used equipment. They are also a good place to find treadmills that are lightly used but still in good condition.
2. Examine the condition
Many people buy used treadmills to save money. However, don't be swayed by that and end up buying a treadmill that may result in not functioning properly or even not functioning in any way. It's not uncommon to read 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 treadmill shut down when they use it, overheat, blow circuits or shut down completely.
You can avoid this by taking your time when looking at the treadmill in the real. If you're purchasing from an online retailer, they might be in a position to arrange delivery for you or provide an exchange policy. This can make your life easier and less stressful. But if you're dealing with a private seller, that can be tricky. You'll need to rent trucks or ask strong friends to help you bring the equipment home if it won't fit in your vehicle.
While inspecting the treadmill ensure that you check the condition of the belt and motor. Also pay attention to any levers, buttons, or touchscreen areas. The older treadmills usually have'resistive touchscreens' that can wear out due to regular use. Newer treadmills, however, have 'capacitive touchscreens that are less likely to degrade.
Examine the deck too. Replace the belt and deck if you feel any raised sections, blisters, or scratches.
You'll also want to check the motor for vibrations and excessive noise. A noisy motor may indicate an issue with the bearing that may be costly to repair or replace.
Lastly, look at the speed and incline settings to make sure they work in the way you want them to. An incline that is well-designed can challenge your muscles, and allow you to reach your fitness goals faster. A fast speed setting will also prevent you from becoming bored and push you beyond your limits. If they don't work correctly you could end up wasting your money and, even more importantly, hurting yourself.
3. Ask Questions
If you're looking to purchase an old treadmill at a second-hand store for sports or from an individual seller, it pays to inquire a lot. The more you understand about the machine's history and history, the greater chance you have of getting a great bargain and avoiding future issues.
Find out the history of the service of the treadmill including any mechanical issues and how much it has been used. You can also read online reviews to learn what other people have to say about the quality and performance of the machine. This will help you determine whether it's worth the money or not.
Another crucial aspect is to inquire about the age of the treadmill. In general, you should stick with machines that are not more than five years old. You will have the best chance of finding spare parts, should you require them.
It is also important to 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 a week for an hour, then the treadmill might still have plenty of life left in it. If, however, the treadmill has been used almost every day for the last six years, you may be better off looking elsewhere.
Once you're all set, hop onto the machine and enjoy a 10- to 20-minute ride. Pay attention to any jerking or grinding noises, which could indicate problems. If the machine is functioning properly, it should be moving smoothly and quietly which makes your workout thrilling and enjoyable.
In addition, make sure you test the console features. You'll spend a lot of time looking at the screen, so it's important that the screen is easy to read and navigate. Also, be aware of any extras that are included with the treadmill, for instance heart rate monitors and built-in workout 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 assurance in the event that something goes wrong with your new purchase.
4. Make the Offer
Buying a treadmill isn't cheap however it doesn't have to be. You can find a decent used treadmill for less money if do your homework and keep expectations in the balance. It may not be as sleek and speedy however it can help you reach your fitness goals.
When you are looking for a used treadmill, it's important to examine the warranty offered by the manufacturer and inquire about any repairs or replacement parts that are included. A lot of manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on the frame and at least a five-year guarantee on the motors and electronics. This is an excellent idea of the overall quality of the treadmill.
It's also recommended to inquire about the history of the treadmill. If the seller was the first owner, it's likely that they kept receipts for any repair or maintenance work that was done on the machine. This will give a clear idea of how the treadmill was taken care of, and whether it still has life left in it.
When negotiating an offer, you must be aware of the number of workouts that the treadmill has endured. If the treadmill was heavily used by someone who enjoys HIIT exercises, then the incline feature could be worn out. If the treadmill is used by a person who is constantly pushing buttons or levers frequently, these features may wear out quicker than if they weren't used as often.
It's also recommended to test the treadmill before you make your final purchase. This is especially true in the event that you're purchasing from a seller privately and will need to bring it yourself. You don't have to bring the treadmill home only to discover that it isn't working like you thought or its dimensions aren't enough for the space. If you're purchasing from a retailer they'll probably be able to arrange delivery or let you test the treadmill in store before purchasing it.