Buying a Used Treadmill: What do I need to ask seller?

like duh - how much does he want for it?

if it's been in any accidents, etc.

You should find out if the original owner ever seen an airplane successfully take off while using the treadmill.

Does he/she have athlete's foot.

If you know what model/brand it is before you go see it, google it to see if there's a way to display the odometer reading. You can do that on some of them, including the one I own. It will give you an idea of how heavily it's been used. Also ask if they've ever had it serviced/replaced parts etc. don't just buy some piece of crap if you are going to use it frequently. Especially if you are a bigger guy, the cheap, flimsy ones are stressful and uncomfortable. If you want to get a decent one that will last, sometimes the local gyms sell theirs off when they upgrade. I picked up a really good one that way years ago. Dropped some cash but still one third of new price and still going strong.

If the used treadmill hasn't been properly maintained with lubrication under the belt, or the treadmill has been used a lot, then the belt may be worn out and you will need to replace it.

If you want someone to replace the belt for you Sears can do it. I think they charge $90 for labor plus about $100 for a new belt (depending on treadmill).

For troubleshooting treadmills this is a good resource:

http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/troubleshooting.html

For lubricating a treadmill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j8yt1eD9P0

Make sure you research and use the proper lube for your treadmill. You don't want to damage the treadmill belt with the wrong lube.

For treadmills that use a non-petroleum silicone lubricant this is good stuff

http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/sole-treadmill-lube-8oz

Also when evaluating a treadmill you should feel the deck under the belt for cracks and imperfections. The deck needs to be perfectly smooth because the belt has to glide over it. Replacing a deck is likely expensive.

I would avoid purchasing a used treadmill from someone who is very heavy, unless it is commercial grade like Precor.

I just noticed treadmill doctor has a used buyers guide. Should give you good info about used prices and what to look for.

http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/2010-used-buyers-guide-treadmills-and-ellipticals

How much are you asking?

Will you take $50?

Get the make & model number. That will answer most of your questions. Then ask the seller some questions about max speed, incline. I bought my current treadmill secondhand on craigslist from someone who claimed it went 20 mph -- as soon as he said that I knew he wasn't a runner and therefore hadn't put much wear and tear on the machine! It was pretty much new.

Ask if the machine has ever cut-off by itself during a run. Ask if the owner is a heavy sweater. That could be embarrassing, maybe say something to the effect that you're a heavy sweater and they'll offer it upon their own. I say this because a machine that has been sweated on quite a bit may have corroded connections and cause the treadmill to operate oddly.

Fantastic! Thanks for the responses. Some things I hadn't thought of. I am also going to try it out before buying it, even if it means traveling a bit.

Ask them why they are selling it. If they are upgrading, then you know it was probably used a lot. The answer you want to hear is, "I hardly ever used it."

honestly you should measure the handrails to see if it provides enough room to hang your clothes on as that is all it is good for

Is the treadmill Rupp-certified?