When an essential appliance finally breaks down, it can be worse than an inconvenience. When a fridge breaks down, you’re scrambling to find somewhere to store your food. If it’s the oven that finally gives up, you’re living off of takeout until you can find a replacement. When it’s the water heater, you’re in for some unpleasant showers until you get it fixed.
You’re in a rush to get it replaced, but new appliances can be expensive. Buying used appliances will help you save money and get a replacement when you need one.
Of course, you want to make sure you still get years out of your replacement appliances, even if you buy them used. It’s a hassle getting an appliance replaced, and the costs can also include installation and delivery fees.
Before you start searching for “used appliances near me,” check out this guide on what to look for and how to find the best deals.
Choose Reliable Brands
Start by researching the best brands around for the appliance you’re looking for. Find out which brand names are known for making the most durable appliances, as well as how long they tend to make replacement parts available.
If you’ve recently learned about the dangers of gas stoves, GE is known as one of the most reliable brands in electric ovens and ranges.
When it comes to laundry machines, the best washer and dryer brands are Maytag, GE, Whirlpool, and Samsung.
As for fridges, Bosch, GE, and Maytag are known for durability, while Samsung and LG are the preferred high-tech brands.
Whatever type of appliance you’re looking for, do some research, check out reviews, and find out which brands stand out.
Estimate How Much Useful Life the Appliance Has Left
The key to finding real savings with used appliances is making sure your purchase still has lots of life left in it. First, find out how old the actual appliance you’re thinking about buying is. With that information, you can compare it to the average lifespan of that type of appliance. Here are a few examples:
- Refrigerator: 11 to 14 years (top-freezers last longer than bottom-freezers)
- Dryer: 12 years
- Washers: 11 years for front-loads, 12 years for top-loads
- Electric range: 16 years
- Gas range: 13 years
Even though you might be able to get a great deal on an appliance with just a couple of years left on it, consider whether the hassle of replacing it again in two- or three-years’ time is worth it.
Look into Delivery and Installation Costs
Don’t forget to consider the delivery and installation costs. You can expect to pay an average of $200 for getting an appliance installed, though this can change considerably depending on where you live. That number can rise into the thousands if you need to do any wiring or plumbing work. Check with a local contractor for a more accurate estimate. It may also differ depending on the type of appliance you’re getting. With a simple plug-in fridge, for example, you may only have to worry about the delivery costs, and when you buy on an online marketplace, you may be able to handle delivery yourself.
Buying used appliances can save you a lot of money. Before you make a purchase, check the age of the appliance, research the best and most reliable brands, and don’t forget to factor in installation and delivery costs.
