Tips for Buying a Used Treadmill

If you are looking to buy a used treadmill, here are some buying tips that can help you to secure a great deal. While a treadmill can provide an owner with a convenient way to exercise, a quality treadmill can cost a couple thousand dollars or even more. By buying a used treadmill, you can often get a solid treadmill for less than a thousand dollars, often much less.

Treadmill Research

More expensive treadmills generally are more durable than inexpensive treadmills. Before shopping for a used treadmill, become familiar with the high end brand names and target these treadmills. Visit some retailers of new treadmills to determine what features are important to you. You can also check out treadmill reviews by "Consumer Reports" or other publications to learn about the better models and what to look for in a treadmill.

Finding Used Treadmills

The simplest way to find a used treadmill is to shop at a used sporting goods retailer. Exercise equipment is a mainstay of the used sporting goods business as many people buy exercise equipment, use it for a while, and then stop using it. Even if a used sporting goods retailer doesn't have a treadmill that you like, chances are they get in new treadmills frequently. Other sources of used treadmills include bulletin boards, internet sites (eBay, Craigslist, etc.), pawn shops and other sellers of used merchandise.

Inspection

When viewing a treadmill ask the owner to show you all of the features of the treadmill. It is not unreasonable to ask to use the treadmill for at least a few minutes to test it. Use the treadmill at various speeds to make certain it works properly. Look at the entire treadmill including the underneath and the mechanism of the treadmill for wear, excessive dirt or other problems. Ask if the owner still has the owner's manual for the treadmill, if not do an online search to determine if you can get one before agreeing to the purchase.

Price

A fair price to pay for a used treadmill will vary depending on the treadmill's age, condition and amount of use. However, you should look to spend about half of the treadmill's new retail price when buying used. When buying at a used sporting goods store that allows returns and provides a warranty for the treadmill, you can generally expect pay a higher price that when buying off of an individual. In most situations, there are more sellers of used treadmills than there are buyers. This means that you can generally buy the treadmill for less than the seller's asking price. A general guideline is to offer about 20 percent less than the asking price.