As summer comes to an end and the days become shorter, the idea of owning a treadmill becomes very appealing. After all, treadmills are a convenient way to train indoors when the weather outdoors takes a turn for the worse.
A new, high-quality treadmill will cost between $1,000 and $9,000, but with a little legwork, you can find one used for less than $1,000. Keep in mind that there are models that sell new for less than $700, but their reliability and quality tend to be poor. If you are in the market for a treadmill, new or used, there are ways to ensure you get the most bang for your buck, and don't wind up spending more on repairs than you did for the machine.
Step 1
Consider how you'll use the treadmill. Will you be walking, jogging or spending long hours training for a marathon? Usage matters. For example, walking is less demanding on the motor, so you can get away with slightly less horsepower (1.5 to 2.0 hp). If you will be running on the treadmill and/or using the incline feature as part of your training regime, you'll need more horsepower (2.5-3.0 hp).
Step 2
Know which features add the most value. For instance, control panels that are Pulse Width Modulated produce less heat and have a longer motor life than Solid State Control Rectifier panels. Control panels with the option to raise the elevation to 10 or higher, and increase the speed up to 10 mph are also worth paying for. Panels that display how far you've gone, miles per hour and time elapsed will help you track your progress and keep you motivated.
Step 3
Consider size. The size of the treadmill is a matter of preference and comfort. Long striders, for example, will need a longer belt to accommodate longer legs. As a general rule of thumb, a belt that is at least 16 to 18 inches wide and 50 inches long will fit most average-sized users (or, 55 to 60 inches for taller runners).
Step 4
Do your homework. Visit websites for customer ratings and product reviews. Running websites are a good place to start. Try Runner's World and Running Planet, as well as epinions.com. Reputable names to look for include: Precor, Nautalis and StarTrac.
Step 5
Start shopping. Used sporting goods stores, such as Play it Again Sports, are good places to look for gently used treadmills. Fitness clubs and recreation centers often sell or auction off older model treadmills on an annual basis. Because health clubs often buy top-of-the-line equipment, you may be able to get a great deal on a high-end treadmill. Be aware, however, that treadmills at the busiest clubs undergo a lot of wear and tear, and may not hold up to your standards once you get it home.
Finally, tell your network of friends, neighbors and relatives that you are in the market for a gently used, good quality treadmill. The ability to connect via Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn makes it easy to query the masses, and you may find a better deal from someone you know, or a friend of a friend, than a stranger.
Step 6
Ask questions. When was the treadmill purchased? Avoid treadmills older than five years, unless it was rarely used. How many hours of usage did it get each day? What is the horsepower? If the owner doesn't know, ask if the machine came with an owner's manual that you can look at. Is the seller the sole owner of the machine? If it was used in a gym setting, how often was it used and by how many people? Ideally, the less use, the better, and the fewer repairs, the better. Ask for the service record.
Step 7
Ask for the service record. Are there any chronic problems that have required more than one service call? Ideally, the fewer the repairs, the better.
Step 8
Try it before you buy it. Hop on the treadmill and use it the way you intend to at home. Crank up the speed, bump up the incline, listen for rattles and clanks. Does the belt slip? Is there enough room on either side so you don't ram your arms into the side bars. Is the belt long enough for your strides? Are you comfortable using it?
Tips and Warnings
- Ask the seller if the treadmill comes with a warranty. If you are buying new, make sure the treadmill comes with a warranty of three years or more for parts and labor. Some second-hand stores, like Play It Again Sports, offer warranties that include house visits.
Things You'll Need
- Pen
- Paper
- Computer with Internet access
- Local paper
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