There are however several circumstances where buying used
may be the better option.
Below we'll go over some helpful information and discuss
how they can benefit you.
Points of Discussion:
- Age of the appliance
- How long you plan to keep the appliance
- Cost of needed part
- Type of part being purchased
- Integrity of the seller
How old is the appliance?
This can be a relative question, as loads per day will vary depending on the size of your family. On average, a major appliance will last 8 years. If you have reached the half way point or surpassed that point, a used part may be of great value to you. Only you can judge the amount of life that is still left in your appliance.
How long do you plan to keep the appliance?
- Will you replace the unit if it has another failure soon?
- Are you considering moving in the near future and leaving it behind?
- Would you replace it if you find a good deal on a new appliance?
Answers to these questions should help you in making a sound decision.
Cost:
Cost must always be a considered in this time of economic uncertainty.
Many new appliance parts cost upwards of $100 or even $200.
A good used part may be available at an average of half the price of new.
Compare the cost to the value of your appliance overall,
and you will be able to decide if a used part is worth considering.
Which part are you replacing?
A mechanical or electrical part may be riskier to purchase than a cosmetic part.
I will say if minor scratches bother you, then you may want to reconsider buying used.
Many used parts are also available as reconditioned or rebuilt, which too can be a good value.
Consider the Seller:
Do they seem trustworthy? Does the part come with a warranty?
Some sellers have technicians who test the parts before selling them,
while others simply post them and hope that everything works out okay.
A good picture can tell a thousand words about the condition of the part as well.
I hope that this article has helped to inform you about used appliance parts
and how they can be of use to you in the future.
We here at Balcum Appliance have bought and sold many parts both new and used.
We carefully weigh all of these options before making a final decision.