Used Appliances

[crosses]

I would like to get some opinions on used appliances and if you think they are worth the risk. Like cars, I see practically new ones for half thier original price at garage sales all the time. Do you think it is a smart move to purchase used appliances or is it better to go with new?

[cicy33]

Re: Used Appliances

Depends of course. If you want an absolute guarantee that it will work, buy it new. Otherwise you take a chance. I would never pay more than $50 to $100 for a washer and no more than $50 for a dryer used. I bought a dryer new about 1 1/2 years ago for $200 at Home Depot and so I feel that $50 is the most I would pay used. It might last for a year it might last a month. no way to know. Have them turn the dryer on if possible. Better to look at a washer while it is hooked up but sometimes that doesn't work. The house we have now had a washer in it when we bought it and it is still working after 3 years. Of course the lid won't stay up unless I prop it but otherwise is fine. Bought my dishwasher used for $100 two years ago and it still works. Thinking about a new one though soon! Used you take chances. That is why it is cheaper.

[34saving]

Re: Used Appliances

At least around here I'd say it's usually worth it. Most people get rid of all of their appliances when they remodel or one goes bad, so very often there's nothing wrong with them.

[cercis]

Re: Used Appliances

I wouldn't do it because used appliances are generally going to mean energy hog.

I've bought them in the past and at one point had 2 used washers. When I got my new washer, my electric usage went down pretty dramatically (and it was already low for a summer bill).

[marglo]

Re: Used Appliances

I have been buying new for many years now but I still say the best kitchen range I have ever had was a used electric range I bought when we were first married and no one would give us credit to buy one. (Too bad they didn't continue to NOT give us credit! LOL) I think that range cost us $30. My last range I paid more than $700 for (and that was a good price for the one we got), and it doesn't work as well as that $30 one!

As others have said, check the appliances over as well as you can, set a limit on how much you can risk. I might be leery of a dryer and there is the energy thing to think of as someone else mentioned, but some times you just have to do what you can afford and stay out of debt.

[mom-from-missouri]

Re: Used Appliances

This is air-force area, so its a good deal here. If airmen have household items over weight, the large appliances and pool tables are what they usually garage sale cheaply!! Often they are only a few months old. The airforce won't move them if they are over a certain weight.