Used treadmills (Read 135 times)

I've never bought a new or used TM, but I'd apply the same logic that I apply to buying any type of used machinery. Plan on running on it, at the speed you intend to use it for for a few minutes, at least. Make sure the acceleration and deceleration is smooth and the belt doesn't slip. Operate the incline, use all the controls, etc.  Pay attention for any strange smells or noises, look underneath for debris from abnormal rubbing. I think a little fine dust is normal, our Y TMs seem to have some and they're rarely broken. Another good rule of thumb when I buy a car or boat if I'm at the seller's house, is to look at the rest of their stuff. If everything you see seems to be in some state of disrepair or otherwise screwed up, if may give you a clue as to how they've taken care of the TM. Ultimately, anything used is a gamble and perfectly well cared for stuff can blow up the week after you buy it. You just have to use your best judgement. Good luck.

Only buy a used treadmill from someone that is overweight.  That way you know that they bought it as a New Year's resolution but didn't actually use it.

I never thought of this, but this is some good advice.....

I bought one back in 2001 that lasted until 2010.....I got around 5,000+ miles out of it.  The big thing was maintenance.  We had a service tech come out and change the rollers and lubricate it as necessary.  So, I would just test it out and ask about what maintenance is has been done and find out the total miles it has.  Oh, and ask them if the motor was turned off after every use.  When I bought the one in 2001, they told me to be sure I turned off the base of the treadmill, not just pulled the key out to turn off the display/controls.  I was told that gave a longer life to the motor.  Good luck!

I actually scoured Craigs list and scored an amazing treadmill, barely used for 300$ & it's worth a good 2,000$ ... I had to be patient & look & take the time to go check it out but it was SO WORTH IT.  It has never given me a problem and I saved A TON of money.  Worth checking out! 

I'm going to look at one this afternoon. Any advice on questions I should ask or what I should look for in a used treadmill?

If you were closer, I'd give you mine.  I finally realized it's silly to have a TM where I live because the weather is good for running outside 99% of the time.  And now DH stores junk on it.