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

Investing in a treadmill for you and your family is an excellent way to jumpstart your fitness journey. 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 will 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 a race? 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 a few key characteristics separate the two. These are what you should consider before making your purchase:

• Budget and Affordability
• Condition and Warranty
• Features

We will 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 a rower to build core strength, or a set of 55 Lb. Select-A-Weight Dumbbells for strength training.

That said, there are a few notable drawbacks. Used treadmills have been used for fitness training beforehand by other owners and will generally show signs of wear and tear. Because of this, they often have a shorter remaining lifespan than a newer model. Parts may be missing or broken, and repairs can be costly. Depending on how well the previous owner maintained the machine, it can carry a variety of issues that slow your progress until repairs are made.

Used treadmills also generally do not come with a manufacturer warranty, so if the machine breaks down, you will be on your own to find a replacement or repair technician.

The key is to be aware of the machine's condition so you can clean and maintain it as needed, using tools like the treadmill's user guide or a Treadmill Maintenance Kit. With ample care, you can work around most of the risks that come with a used purchase.

Advantages of Buying New

If you are looking for a reliable treadmill that will last you for years, buying new is often the stronger choice. New treadmills come with a higher price tag, but they typically come backed by a full manufacturer warranty that covers the cost of damage or malfunctions, letting you focus on your training instead of worrying about mechanical problems.

New treadmills also come with the latest innovations in home fitness. A model like the T Series 10 Treadmill offers an accessible entry point for someone stepping up from a used machine, while a model like the Commercial 2450 Treadmill adds an HD touchscreen and automated incline adjustment paired with an iFIT subscription. NordicTrack treadmills are built as one integrated system: the hardware delivers the mechanics, and iFIT provides the instruction and adaptive programming that turns the machine into a guided training plan rather than a static piece of equipment.

If you are training toward a specific goal, that instruction matters. Tommy Rivs' Rivs Run Club on iFIT is built for exactly the kind of structured outdoor-style running training a new treadmill runner benefits from, pairing scenic terrain with a real training plan instead of an unguided walk or run.

Making Your Decision

A used treadmill can be the right call if you are budget-conscious and comfortable handling some maintenance yourself. A new treadmill is the stronger choice if you want a warranty, the newest features, and guided training built in from day one. Either way, matching the machine to how you actually plan to use it is what will make the purchase worth it.

References

• The Best Treadmill for Your Home
• 55 Lb. Select-A-Weight Dumbbells
• Treadmill Maintenance Kit
• NordicTrack Warranty

Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. 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.