"always check if the appliance still has a transferable warranty."
Good point about warranties—people overlook that way too often. I've seen clients get burned buying used appliances without checking, and then they're stuck footing the bill. But when they do their homework, it's usually smooth sailing. Had a client recently who grabbed a washer-dryer set secondhand, no warranty left, but the price was so good it didn't matter. They've been running strong for over a year now.
Honestly, it's all about balancing risk and reward. If you're careful and know what to look for (like warranty transfers or signs of wear), buying used can save you serious cash. But if peace of mind is your priority, sometimes paying extra for new isn't such a bad idea either.
I've gone both routes and honestly, warranties aren't always the safety net they're cracked up to be. Bought a fridge new once, warranty included, but when it broke down after 14 months (just past coverage, of course...), I was still stuck paying for repairs. Meanwhile, my used dishwasher—no warranty, dirt cheap—has been quietly doing its job for three years now. It's really about knowing what you're buying and accepting that sometimes luck plays a bigger role than we'd like to admit.
"Bought a fridge new once, warranty included, but when it broke down after 14 months (just past coverage, of course...), I was still stuck paying for repairs."
Had a similar experience with a washing machine—brand new, warranty and all. Thing went belly-up at about 16 months, and the repair costs were ridiculous. Meanwhile, my secondhand dryer (no warranty, Craigslist find) has been a champ for five years now. Sometimes it's just about doing your homework and crossing your fingers... warranties definitely aren't foolproof.
Interesting stories, but honestly I've had the opposite luck. Bought a used dishwasher once, seemed like a great deal... until it flooded our kitchen a month later. Maybe it's less about new vs. used and more about brand reliability or just plain luck?
I've had mixed experiences myself. While brand reliability definitely matters, I wouldn't discount the risks associated with buying used appliances entirely. Even reputable brands can have hidden issues if the previous owner didn't maintain them properly. Had a similar issue with a fridge—looked pristine, great brand, but compressor went out after two months. Sometimes it's less about luck and more about how thoroughly you can vet the item's history before buying...
