Buying Used Appliances Locally: What to Check Before You Pay
A new washer, fridge or range can cost well over a thousand dollars. Buy the same appliance used from someone nearby and you can often pay a fraction of that. People sell perfectly good appliances all the time when they move, renovate or upgrade.
The catch: a used appliance can hide problems that only show up after you’ve hauled it home. This guide shows you what to ask, what to check in person and how to get your purchase home safely, so your bargain keeps running for years.
Before you go: do your homework
- Measure your space. Measure the spot where the appliance will go, plus every doorway, hallway and staircase on the way in. Don’t forget space for door swing and hookups behind it.
- Ask for the brand and model number. It’s usually on a sticker inside the door, on the frame or on the back. Look up the model online to see its original price, reviews and the owner’s manual.
- Check for recalls. Search the model number on CPSC.gov/Recalls before you buy.
- Find out how old it is. The serial number often reveals the manufacture date, and many brands explain how to decode it on their websites. Most major appliances last roughly 10 to 15 years, so age matters when judging the price.
- Ask why they’re selling. “We’re moving” or “we remodeled” is reassuring. A vague answer is worth a closer look.
The golden rule: see it running
Whenever possible, ask to see the appliance plugged in and working before you pay. A seller who has nothing to hide will usually agree. If it’s already disconnected, ask for a short video of it running, or plan to test it at pickup.
What to check, appliance by appliance
Refrigerators and freezers
- Check that it is cold. If the seller can plug it in a few hours before you arrive, the fridge section should feel cool and the freezer should be cold.
- Look at door seals (gaskets) for cracks or gaps. Close the door on a piece of paper; if it slides out easily, the seal is weak.
- Listen for loud buzzing, rattling or clicking.
- Look for rust, water stains or ice buildup, and sniff for lingering odors.
- Check that shelves, drawers and the ice maker (if any) are all there and working.
Washing machines
- Ask to run a short cycle, or at least a spin cycle, and listen for grinding or banging.
- Look inside the drum and around the door seal for mold, rust or damage.
- Check hoses for cracks or bulges, and plan to replace them with new ones anyway. They’re inexpensive.
- Look under the machine for signs of leaks.
Dryers
- Run it for a few minutes and make sure it actually heats up.
- Pull out the lint screen and check that it isn’t torn.
- Ask whether it’s electric or gas, and make sure that matches the hookup in your home.
Ranges and ovens
- Turn on every burner and the oven, and check that each one heats.
- Check that knobs, racks and the oven light are all there and work.
- Open and close the oven door to make sure it seals and the hinges are solid.
- For gas ranges, have a qualified professional install and connect it. Never hook up a gas line yourself.
Dishwashers
- Look at the racks for rust and broken tines.
- Check the spray arms spin freely and the filter is clean.
- Ask whether it drained properly the last time it was used.
Questions to ask the seller
- How old is it, and where did you buy it?
- Has it ever been repaired? Do you have receipts?
- Does it come with the manual, hoses, power cord or any parts?
- Is any warranty still active, and can it be transferred?
- Was it used in a home, a rental or a business?
Getting it home safely
- Bring help and the right gear. Appliances are heavy and awkward. Bring at least one strong helper, an appliance dolly, straps and moving blankets.
- Keep fridges and freezers upright if you can. If one has to lie down during transport, let it stand upright for several hours before plugging it in, so the oil in the compressor can settle. Check the manual for the exact wait time.
- Secure washer drums. If the seller still has the shipping bolts, ask for them; they stop the drum from bouncing during the move.
- Clean it before use. Wipe everything down and run an empty cycle on washers and dishwashers.
Red flags: when to walk away
- The seller won’t let you see it running and won’t explain why.
- There’s a burning smell, scorched wiring or visible damage to the power cord.
- There are signs of water damage, heavy rust or pests.
- The model is on a recall list and hasn’t been repaired.
- The price seems far too low for a newer model, which can be a sign of a scam or stolen goods.
Meet safely and pay smart
Since appliances are usually picked up at the seller’s home, bring a friend, let someone know where you’re going, and pay only after you’ve checked the appliance. For more on staying safe, read our guides to meeting a buyer or seller safely and Payment Safety 101.
The bottom line
A used appliance can save you hundreds of dollars, as long as you do a little homework first. Measure your space, check the model and recalls, see it running, and move it carefully. Ready to find a deal? Browse appliances from sellers near you on P6D.net.
