I see your point about warranties and reliability, but honestly, buying used doesn't always mean you're stuck with a lemon. The key is knowing exactly what to look for. When we bought our dryer second-hand, I did a thorough check—ran a full cycle, listened carefully for odd noises, checked seals and hoses closely. It's been running smoothly for three years now. Sure, there's always some risk involved... but careful inspection and a bit of patience can really pay off.
You've clearly done your homework, and I agree—careful inspection can significantly reduce the risk. But here's something else to consider: appliances like dryers might be relatively straightforward to assess on the spot, but what about more complex items? For instance, when it comes to refrigerators or HVAC systems, issues aren't always immediately obvious. I've had experiences where everything seemed perfect during inspection, only for hidden problems to surface months later—usually at the worst possible time. So while I'm not dismissing the value of buying used (I've scored some great deals myself), I wonder if certain appliances or equipment might inherently carry more risk than others. Have you found particular types of appliances easier or harder to confidently buy second-hand?
