Consider this: You are keen to buy an exercise equipment but find that purchasing a new one isn't your cup of tea. In that case, going for a used fitness machine sounds practical. While searching for equipment, even if you come across a deal that may appear impressive, you need to keep a few things in mind so that the used equipment you purchase doesn't hurt your pocket in the long run. Check for Functionality Buying a used fitness equipment does not mean opting for a substandard product. You cannot compromise on durability, just because it is a secondhand product. So, make sure, that the equipment is fully functional. Scrutinize all the features of the machine, and check for any damage. You certainly don't want to invest in an equipment that has broken or rusted parts. Try it out and verify whether its features are operational and safe. Check for Maintenance Take your time to inspect and determine if the equipment is well-maintained. For instance, if you are looking for a treadmill, inspect the circuit and wiring of the motor for any visible signs of wear. Vital components of the equipment should be free from any sort of damage to ensure safety when in operation. Cracks and tears in the equipment parts are signs of poor maintenance, meaning buying the equipment isn't a good prospect. Check for Comfort Level You should feel comfortable while using the equipment that you intend to buy. Buying an equipment at a bargain only to realize that you don't feel comfortable using it can lead to injury and health issues. So keep comfort in mind when choosing the equipment, and avoid buying simply because it is available at a throw away price. Choose from Reputed Brands Make sure that the used fitness equipment you choose is of a brand that is reliable and reputed manufacturer of exercise equipment. Reputed brands tend to have a warranty over their equipment or parts. So, opting for quality brands may guarantee the durability of the fitness unit as claimed. Go Through Customer Reviews Reading customer reviews of the equipment will help you to judge whether the unit that you are buying is reliable and value for money. It is beneficial to buy a fitness unit which has been backed by a large number of positive customer testimonials. You can search online or go through fitness magazines to get reviews of various fitness equipment. Check for Warranty Used exercise machines are usually not backed by a warranty, but in some cases the seller may offer a warranty of up to 1 year. As aforementioned, if it has been manufactured by a well-known brand, the performance and quality of the exercise equipment always has the backing of good customer satisfaction. You can also get in touch with the manufacturer to know whether they provide any after-sales service. Know the Equipment Verify from the seller whether the used fitness item that you are buying is a demo model, floor model, "as is" equipment, or a refurbished, commercial grade one. Refurbishing involves dismantling the equipment, replacing the defective parts with new ones and reassembling the unit as per the OEM specifications. In case, the equipment has been refurbished, inquire whether the replaced parts have a warranty. On the other hand, commercial grade items have original parts, and are built for everyday use. Whereas a floor model suggests that the equipment was previously a showroom sample, kept for display purposes only. Demo models are used for demonstration purpose only. Both demo and floor models come under full warranty coverage that guarantees replacement of parts free of cost within the warranty period. "As is" equipment that does not come with any warranty are often sold through websites like eBay and Craigslist. As they can be defective, a full end-user inspection is a must before purchasing these machines. Buy at the Right Price Buying a used equipment at a reasonably high price is no good investment. So, firstly, you need to be aware of its retail price. For this, browse through websites like bizrate and slickdeals that allow you to compare prices and find the best deals that suit your budget. You can also check classified ads in your local area to get the pricing. Once you are aware of its true market value, bargaining with the seller for the used item would become much easier. Also, before you close the deal, verify whether you need to pay additional expenses such as delivery charges, installation cost, and servicing cost. On the whole, a used exercise equipment is not something that you should purchase in a haste. An impulsive buy can cause you to regret later. All in all, a careful research has to be done before buying any used fitness machine.