Posted: 1/12/2010 7:23:48 PM EDT
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... I need one What to look for, what brands to avoid. Good bargains. Used versus new. Do I really need to spend a lot of money? Thank you in advance |
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Mine went TU the other week. I am in the market myself. However, I only use it because it is too damn cold outside. Otherwise, I hit the dirt and pavement A few things to take into consideration: the purchase revolves around budget, frequency, and abuse. Year-round use...I would pay a few more $$$. Running, walking, or both. How much running and intensity? More running for longer than 30 minutes a few times a week...more $$$ You can buy used from a good fitness shop with it still under warranty. For my needs...about $500 from Sears. My last one lasted 6 years, under $400, 2 people used it, 5 months on a daily basis, I ran, wife walked and jogged. LifeFitness would be my choice if I wanted to spend a good dime. Best of luck. edit: added: used mine 5 months a year for 6 years on a daily basis by two people |
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Quoted: About two weeks ago there was a Landice L7 here in Memphis on CL for $500. They are about 3K new. Used exercise equipment is sometimes hardly used at all (surprise) so there are deals to be had but there are pitfalls as well. A quick check of the first 10 "treadmill" hits on my local craigslist had 7 listed as used less then a dozen times. 
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First you have to know your goals. Are you walking, walking and running, or running? How much are you going to use it 10 miles a week, 50 miles a week?
The faster you go and the more you use it will make a huge difference. For example when I bought my treadmill (because I have kids and can't always hit the pavement) I was running 6mph and about 50 miles a week. I burned out the motor on the used treadmill I had received from a friend (at least it was free!). I needed a treadmill that was made for a runner. I chose a Life Fitness T3.0 and paid almost $2,000 total. But that was a 2 1/2 years ago and it's still going strong. If you're walking then you can spend a lot less and look on Craigslist, but if you're a runner, I would spend the extra money for a quality treadmill. I hope that helps. God bless, Karen |
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I spent about $1300 on my treadmill in 2005. It now has about 1500 miles on it. The deck has broke twice. I replaced the belt. The elevation gear tore apart. The treadmill has a lifetime parts warranty and a 20 year motor warranty. The company has been pretty good about replacing the parts, but holy shit. I would suggest going to a local used equipment store and seeing what they have. I know that I won't be spending over a $1000 on my next treadmill. |
| Check Costco - They typically have a pretty good treadmill for around $700 - It's made by Icon Fitness, but might be labeled as Epic or NordicTrak. buy this, and then purchase the extended warranty directly from Icon Fitness.. I did this about 3 years ago and have been happy with it, only needed to use the warranty once so far and that was within the first month of use. In the summer I put around 20 miles per week on it, and have been happy with it so far. |
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i spent some time researching TMs
i did not want to spend $5K either i ended up with a Sole Fitness treadmill - they primarily sell off the internet which is how i got mine but i have seen their TMs at Dicks Sporting goods I got the F83 and I think it was about $1800 you pretty much get what you pay for. i wanted a pretty strong motor and deck, i dont care about alot of programs and other bells and whistles Sole had a pretty good warranty. I have about 900 miles on mine with no problems so far i wouldnt buy a real cheap TM, it probably wont last very long i run about 25 miles a week and i much prefer outside, but a TM is pretty much mandatory to keep your workouts going in real bad weather.particularly winter |