As you are looking at the different treadmills that are for sell used or refurbished, take a few minutes to learn as much as you can about the treadmill. Here are eight basics to look at in order to get the best idea of the condition and treatment of the treadmill before you make a purchase.

1. Is the treadmill manufactured through a reputable company? Some of the higher end treadmills have a 30-year, warranty. This is because those treadmills are created to last. So it would be a pretty good bet that the treadmill would work for awhile. If you purchase a low quality treadmill, it would be hard to expect that treadmill to last for a long period of time. Also that it may not function at the highest quality. Therefore you would not be getting all you could from the treadmill.
2. Who has owned the treadmill? Is the person selling the treadmill the same person that had made the original purchase? Check as much of the background of the treadmill as possible. You can also ask questions like: How often has the treadmill been used? Where was the treadmill kept? Was it out in the cold and heat where the parts could be weakened, or was it kept in a warm room where it could be kept at a stable temperature. Finally a good question is: Why are they selling the treadmill? Do they just not use it, or is there any damage you should be aware of?
3. You have every right to ask for a service record. Higher end treadmills often times will have a service record. Also, if there is a warranty, ask to read the conditions of the warranty. If the treadmill is refurbished, or rebuilt, you might also find that there is a warranty on the work that was done.
4. Look for a newer model. Instead of going with a treadmill that is 10+ years old. Find models that are within a couple years range. This way you will know that you are getting a model that is new and has not had as long to have the parts wear, or rust.
5. Take a test run. The seller of the treadmill will likely be happy to let you test out the treadmill.
6. When you are looking at and running on the treadmill, watch for loud sounds, uneven surfaces, knocks, or squeaks in the belt, running surface or motor.
7. One more time, it is very important to check into a warranty. The length of the warranty will help to warn you of the year it was manufactured and sold, how long the manufacturer expected the treadmill to last, and if it is still covered in the case of a break down.
8. Check out the brand of treadmill on the Internet. This will help you to know if the treadmill is a good one, or if it is a low quality treadmill that usually breaks down in the first couple of years.