You can buy used treadmills from fitness clubs, online dealers like eBay, classifieds, and sports store chains like Play It Again Sports. When it comes to used treadmills, where you buy may be as important as what you buy.

If you buy from a sports store, make sure they have some kind of warrantee or return policy. Most sports store check the machine to make sure it's up to speed before they sell it.

You can also find used treadmills at thrift stores like the Salvation Army, but it's risky. There's a good chance the electronics will not work, and thrift stores offer no guarantee. If you want something that runs, and don't need the electronics and special features, this would be a good bargain.

Gyms sell used treadmills, but usually these treadmills have been used and abused. It may be on its dying breath. You'll be lucky if it doesn't collapse the minute you step onto it. Why do you think the gym is selling it?

The truth is, they may be selling it to make room for new ones. Actually, gyms use the best quality treadmills available, so it's definitely going to be a good model. Still, it's risky to buy from gyms. Their used treadmills have been run hard.

A much better place to get a used treadmill is from someone who just doesn't use it. There are lots of people like this out there. It's easy to get on an exercise kick and splurge on this giant piece of fitness equipment, then get bogged down with work or lose the drive. The treadmill turns into a piece of furniture. Used treadmills purchased from people who never use them are usually in pretty good shape. For more info see on Folding Treadmill.

In general, you should watch out for used treadmills that are more than a year old. Most treadmills have a year warrantee, and after that things can start breaking. Modern treadmills are sturdily built, but contain electronic components and motors that can start to run down after a couple of years.

If you're getting a used treadmill, it's always best to buy one that is a major, trusted brand. This insures that it is high quality and built to last. A treadmill that was expensive in the first place might be a great deal used. Look for major brands like Nordic Track, Proform, Bowflex and Horizon.

Ask the previous owner lots of questions. Find out if they were the only owner. If somebody had the treadmill before them, it's probably not worth your money no matter how low the cost.

Finally, remember that you can get a simple new treadmill for as low as $750 if you shop around. It might be a good idea to pay the extra cash and have the piece of mind of knowing that your machine is brand new. The warrantee also helps!

Buying used treadmills is a great way to save money, just make sure you buy smart. Follow these tips and shop around, and you'll find a great deal.