Buying a Treadmill Used For Sale
A treadmill is a key piece of fitness equipment in many homes. The price 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. Check for a Warranty
A treadmill is a significant investment. It can also be very expensive to fix or replace if it breaks down. This is why it's crucial to ensure that you have a warranty on any treadmill you're considering buying. A quality treadmill should come with at a minimum a one-year warranty for labor and parts. This will give you peace of mind if something goes wrong. If the machine does not have a warranty, you might want to consider buying an entirely new treadmill instead.
Many fitness centers and gyms offer treadmills to members who choose to upgrade their equipment or leave the gym. You can also find them for sale on local classifieds sites, online resale websites as well as at garage or rummage and moving sales. Treadmills are difficult to move. If you find one at an auction or local shop that is suitable for you, buy it and have it delivered to you by an expert.
Make sure to visit the website of the manufacturer before looking for the latest treadmill. There you can see the specifications of the treadmill, including its maximum capacity for weight. This is important as it will tell you how durable the frame and construction of the treadmill is. It is also a good indicator of how the treadmill was maintained.
You should also ensure that the treadmill you're looking at has an insurance policy that covers the motor as well as the electronics and running surface. If the treadmill is not covered by a warranty, you should think about buying it from a store that has one. If anything happens to your treadmill within the first few years the warranty will protect you.
Another option is to shop at an resale or thrift store that is specialized in sporting equipment. They might not have the same number of treadmills as fitness stores, but they often offer cheaper prices on used equipment. These places can also be a great option to locate gently used treadmills in good shape.
2. Examine the condition
People buy used treadmills to save money. Don't be frightened of buying a treadmill that might not function properly or at all. It's not uncommon to read posts (or receive service calls) from buyers of used treadmills who bought a "good deal" at a garage sale or online auction only to see the machine shut down when in use or overheat, damage circuits or shut down altogether.
Avoid this by inspecting the treadmill in person. You may be able arrange delivery or an exchange policy when you purchase from an online retailer. This can make your life easier and less stressful. If you're dealing directly with the seller, it can be a bit challenging. You'll need to rent a truck or beg some sturdy friends to help transport the equipment back to your home if it's not able to fit in your car.
While inspecting the treadmill be sure to check the condition of the motor and belt. Pay attention to any levers, buttons or touchscreen areas. Older treadmills often have'resistive touchscreens' that can wear out from frequent use. Modern treadmills have "capacitive touchscreens that are less likely to be damaged.
Examine the deck too. Replace the belt and deck if you feel any raised sections or blisters, or scratches.
It is also important to examine the motor for vibrations and excessive noise. A noisy motor could be a sign of a bearing problem that can be costly to fix or replace.
The last thing to do is make sure you check the settings for speed and incline to make sure they're functioning as intended. An incline that is properly set will really test your muscles and help you reach your fitness goals faster. A speed setting that is quick can also stop you from becoming bored and push you beyond your limits. If they're not working correctly you could end up wasting your money and even worse, hurting yourself.
3. Ask Questions
If you're looking to purchase a
treadmill used for sale at a second-hand sports store or from a private seller, you should inquire a lot. The more you learn about the machine's history, the better chances you will get a great bargain and avoiding any future issues.
Start by asking about the treadmill's history of service, including any mechanical issues and how much the owner has used it. You can also read online reviews to learn what other people have to say about the quality and performance of the treadmill. This will help you decide if it's worth the investment or not.
The treadmill's age is a crucial factor to consider. In general, you should use treadmills that are no more than five years old. You will have the best chance to find spare parts, should you need them.
You should also find out what the current owner has used the treadmill and the reason for selling it. If they've only used it for a few times a week for an hour or so, then the treadmill could 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 looking elsewhere.
If you're ready to try out the machine, hop on board and take an interval of 10 to 20 minutes. Be aware of any jerking or grinding sounds, as these could be signs that something is wrong. If the machine is working properly, it should be moving smoothly and quiet which makes your workout exciting 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. Also, take note of any additional features included with the treadmill, such as heart rate monitors and built-in workout programs.
Then, ask the seller or retailer about the return policy and warranty on the treadmill. This will help you determine if the treadmill is worth the cost and provide you with peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
4. Make the Offer
A treadmill purchase isn't cheap however it doesn't have to be. If you're willing to do some homework and keep your expectations in the right place, you are able to find a good used treadmill for a lot less money than new one. It may not be as sleek or as quick but it'll aid you in achieving your fitness goals.
When you are looking for a used treadmill, be sure to take a look at the warranty provided by the manufacturer and inquire about any replacement or repairs that are included. Many manufacturers include a lifetime frame warranty, as well as at least a 5-year warranty for the motor and electronics. This will give an accurate indication of the quality of the treadmill.
Inquiring about the history of a treadmill is also a good thing to do. If the seller was the first owner, it's likely that they kept receipts for any maintenance or repair work done to the treadmill. This will give a clear idea of how the treadmill was maintained and if it has life in it.
Another aspect to take into consideration when making an offer on a treadmill is the number of workouts that the treadmill has gone through. If the treadmill has been heavily used by someone who enjoys HIIT workouts, then the incline feature might be worn out. In the same way, if the treadmill was heavily used by a person who was pushing levers or buttons frequently and the features may get worn out quicker than if they were not used as much.
It's also recommended to test the treadmill before making your final purchase. This is especially true if you are buying from an individual seller and be required to transport it home by yourself. You don't want to take it home only to discover that it's not running the way you need it to, or that the dimensions of the machine aren't enough for the space you have. If you purchase from a retailer they'll likely be able to arrange for delivery or allow you to test the treadmill in store before you buy it.