Equipment

New vs. Used Treadmills: Which is the Better Buy for You?

So you’re thinking about buying a treadmill? 

Investing in a treadmill for you and your family is an excellent way to jumpstart your fitness journey. But, like any investment, it’s important to examine your options.

Two of the most important things to consider when buying is whether to buy a new or used treadmill. Cost, function, and reliability all depend on your decision, and can greatly affect your overall experience.

By the end of this short guide, you’ll be fully prepared to purchase your first new or used treadmill!

Factors to Consider

The first question you should ask yourself is how you plan to use your treadmill. Are you training for the big race? Maybe you’re building your legs for a family hike? Or do you just want to get your daily walk in? 

Knowing what you want from a treadmill will help you choose the right one.

Both used and new treadmills come with similar features, but it’s down to a few key characteristics that differ between the two. These are what you should consider before making your purchase:

  • Budget and Affordability
  • Condition and Warranty
  • Features

We’ll dive into these topics for both new and used treadmills, with used treadmills coming up first.

Benefits of Buying Used

Used treadmills are an excellent choice for a first treadmill. With lower costs and fees, used treadmills are generally more affordable than newer models.

This lower price point can help new treadmill runners and walkers focus on building other parts of their home gym, such as buying a rower to build core strength, or to purchase dumbbells for weight training.

That said, there are a few notable drawbacks. 

Used treadmills have been used for fitness training beforehand by other athletes, and will generally show signs of wear and tear. Because of this, they often have a shorter lifespan, sometimes reducing its operating time by years compared to a newer model.

Parts may be missing or broken, and repairs can be costly. Depending on the previous owner’s efforts in maintaining their treadmill, the device can suffer from a variety of issues that will postpone your progress (at least until you apply the needed repairs).

Not only this but used treadmills generally don’t come with a warranty (depending on where you purchase it from), so should it break entirely, you’ll be on your own to find a replacement or repair technician.

The key is to be aware of the product’s condition so that you can clean and perform maintenance when needed, using tools like the treadmill’s user guide or the NordicTrack Treadmills Essential kit. With ample care, you can overcome any obstacles that come with purchasing a used treadmill.

Used treadmills can be a perfect choice for a first treadmill if you’re willing to accept some risk. 

Advantages of Buying New

If you’re looking for a reliable treadmill that will last you for years, buying new could be the right choice for you. While new treadmills come with a higher price tag, they make up for it with their superior quality.

Newer treadmills are built to last, allowing athletes to train nonstop for years before needing replacement. With proper maintenance and cleaning, the treadmill’s lifespan increases even further.

Additionally, new treadmills come with manufacturer’s warranties that cover the cost of damage or malfunctions, allowing you to focus on your goals rather than worrying about potential mechanical problems.

New treadmills also come with the newest innovations in the fitness industry. Our treadmills are developed with a wide range of features, including HD touchscreens, automated incline adjustment, and integrations with your iFIT subscription. Buying a new model will allow you to enjoy perks like these for a longer period of time, helping you get the most out of your training.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve seen both sides, it’s time to choose!
Remember to keep your goals in mind, and make a choice that works best for you!

References

Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. NordicTrack assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.