Buying a used appliance can be a great way to get a useful machine at a lower price point. However, it’s important to do your due diligence before purchase so you get an appliance that actually works.
Inspect Seals
Seals and gaskets create a barrier between the appliance’s exterior and interior environments. Appliances that use seals include:
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Ovens
- Dishwashers
- Dryers
- Front-load washing machines
Because gaskets and seals are made of flexible material and are consistently subject to physical pressure, they often get damaged or degrade before other parts of an appliance. A faulty seal can cause an appliance to perform suboptimally or use more effort and energy to maintain functionality.
Before purchasing a used machine, it’s important to examine any gaskets or seals thoroughly. Look for:
- Cracking
- Flaking
- Nicks
Basically, if any part of the seal looks different than the rest, it may be on its way to failure. If there’s an issue, it’s important to consider the severity carefully before making a purchase.
In some cases, gaskets and seals can be replaced, so damage might not be a dealbreaker. However, it could be grounds for renegotiating the price or passing on that particular machine.
Test Cycles
If an appliance offers different cycle options, you should test each one before purchasing a used machine. Washers, dryers, and dishwashers usually have cycles for different situations, like a “delicates” cycle on a washing machine or a “sanitize” cycle on a dishwasher. It’s important to know if they all work correctly before you shell out any money.
Sometimes a seller knows and is upfront about an issue with a particular cycle. However, you shouldn’t rely on it; always do your own assessment.
If a cycle doesn’t work for some reason, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pass on the machine. If a dishwasher has a specialty cycle that you don’t anticipate using, for example, that fault may not be a problem to you. Just make sure it’s accounted for in the price, and that all the “must-have” cycles do work correctly.
Check Serial Numbers
Before buying a used appliance, inspect it for the serial number. If there isn’t one, don’t buy it, period.
With a serial number in hand, you can contact the manufacturer to:
- Confirm the appliance’s age
- Check if there have been any safety recalls
- Ensure it’s not listed as defective
If the serial number is missing, it could mean the unit has been “returned” to the manufacturer for a safety or functionality issue, and the previous owner should have scrapped it. It could also mean that the unit is stolen.
In many states, it’s illegal to remove appliance serial numbers. If you’re looking at a used appliance, a missing serial number is a red flag: avoid that appliance at all costs!
Assess the Risk
If the seals, cycles, and serial numbers check out, and the appliance looks good overall, there’s still another step you should take before purchase. Consider the appliance’s age and condition, and assess whether buying it is worth the risk.
If a used appliance is nearing the end of its typical life cycle, it’s probably not worth the cost. Even if you save money on the purchase price, you may quickly face major repair and maintenance costs that you wouldn’t have with a newer appliance.
While there’s no way to say for sure how long an appliance will last, most machines typically last between 5 and 15 years. General estimates include:
- Washing machines: 5–15 years
- Dryers: 10–13 years
- Refrigerators: 9–13 years
- Electric ranges: 13–15 years
- Gas ranges: 15–17 years
Based on those timelines, you can calculate how long your investment is likely to last. Determining if the cost is worth it is a personal decision based on your situation and your budget.
If you have questions about buying a used appliance in Morris County, call the pros at Morris County Appliance Repair today. With over 50 years of combined experience in the appliance industry, we know the ins and outs of a broad range of appliance types, makes, and models. We also provide exceptional appliance repair services for both high-end and standard home appliances, with a commitment to customer care and satisfaction. Our team is also fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!
