Yeah, totally get where you're coming from. Even with thorough checks, there's always that small gamble when buying used. I've had decent luck with washers and dryers, but kitchen appliances... not so much. Bought a used dishwasher once—looked spotless, brand was solid—but it leaked a month later and water damage is no joke. Sometimes warranty and peace of mind really are worth the extra cash upfront, especially for items that can cause bigger headaches down the road.
Fair points all around, but I'll throw in a slightly different perspective from my own experience:
- Used appliances can still be a solid choice if you know what to look for and where you're buying from. I've actually had great luck with kitchen appliances, especially fridges and ovens. Bought a used gas range off Craigslist three years ago—half the price of new, looked decent enough, and it's still going strong. I did have to replace one burner igniter after about a year, but it was an easy DIY job and cost me less than $20.
- Key thing is doing your homework first. Check out the brand's reliability ratings online, inspect thoroughly (like you said), and ask detailed questions about usage history. If it feels sketchy or too good to be true... probably is.
- Also, there's a middle ground—refurbished appliances from reputable stores or outlets. They usually come with at least a limited warranty, might be scratch-and-dent models that are basically new under the hood, and can save you hundreds compared to brand-new retail prices. I snagged a refurbished microwave last year that had a minor cosmetic flaw on the side (hidden by cabinets anyway) for about 40% off retail.
- Totally agree though that certain items might not be worth the risk. Dishwashers can definitely cause expensive headaches if something goes wrong... learned that one the hard way myself too. Sometimes peace of mind really is priceless.
Bottom line: buying used isn't always a gamble if you're careful and strategic about it—but yeah, warranty coverage and convenience shouldn't be underestimated either. Guess it just depends how comfortable you feel rolling those dice!
"Also, there's a middle ground—refurbished appliances from reputable stores or outlets."
This is exactly what I've found works best for me. I've bought plenty of used appliances for rental properties, and while I've had some good luck, I've also had my share of headaches. One time I grabbed a used fridge that looked pristine, but the compressor died within six months—ended up costing me more than if I'd just bought refurbished with a warranty in the first place.
Now I mostly stick to refurbished units from reputable outlets. They're usually just open-box returns or minor cosmetic issues, and the warranty coverage is a lifesaver. Sure, you pay a bit more than Craigslist finds, but the peace of mind and reduced downtime is worth it, especially when tenants are involved. Like you said, dishwashers are particularly risky—I've learned to never gamble on those again.
I've gone through a similar evolution myself. Used appliances can be tempting, especially when the price tag looks good, but the hidden costs can really bite you later. Refurbished units from reputable places seem to hit that sweet spot—saving money without rolling the dice too much. Plus, warranties are your friend... learned that lesson after my "bargain" washer flooded the laundry room. Never again, haha.
You're spot on about refurbished units—often they're the smarter financial move. People underestimate how quickly repair costs can erase the savings from buying used. I've seen clients get burned by those "great deals" more times than I can count. Warranty coverage is definitely worth the peace of mind, especially for appliances prone to water damage or electrical issues. Sounds like you've learned that lesson firsthand... at least your laundry room survived!
