How To Shop For A Used Washing Machine

There are so many reasons people today are changing over to used appliances. The most popular reason may be due to the significant savings you will have when not buying retail, but there are several other benefits well worth noting and taking advantage of. 

First, when buying a used washer, you can take advantage of known histories and track records of specific brands and models. Much like purchasing a car, there are specific brands, models, and even years of washers that are more reliable than others. That being said, it is to your advantage to understand and research the best washers for reliability. It should also be noted that eventually ALL washers will need maintenance. This is a reality as sure as death and taxes… 

With that noted, you might as well factor in the fixability of the washer because not all are created equal. Some types and brands of washers are vastly easier to fix due to their design and availability of replacement parts. Many of the common fixes are simple enough for even an average homeowner to take on.

Below we will briefly examine the key things to note when buying a used washing machine.

Where to buy a used washer?

 There are two main ways that used washers can be purchased. One will be a used appliance store and the other is from a private seller from a local classified website such as Craigslist. There are pros and cons to buying each of these options, but I’ve found, by and large, that purchasing from a used appliance store is the best option. 

The drawback of a used appliance store is the fact that you will have to pay more for the product than through a private seller, but you will see that this small drawback is well worth the additional benefits you will gain from this type of business. 

First, a used appliance store typically offers some type of warranty. It may not be a long warranty, but it will be plenty of time for you to test the washing machine in your own home and vet the machine for any type of issues. It is very likely that a washing machine from a used appliance store will be in perfect working condition because it costs the business more money to come and have to fix your machine after the sale is made. Secondly, a used appliance store will be able to deliver the machine to your home. If you have ever had the experience of moving a washing machine, you will value this service greatly.

When buying from a private seller, you will almost always get a better price, but absolutely nothing is guaranteed and there are fewer owners selling properly functioning washing machines than not. If you are going this route, it is imperative that you inspect the machine as closely and thoroughly as possible before parting with your money. In addition, you will need access to two able bodied people and a truck to haul the washer.

What type of washer to buy?

You will have two options here on types of washer: top-loading or front-loading. As with most decisions, these have their trade-offs as well. From a longevity, fixability, and reliability standpoint the decision is already made. You will want to get a top-loading washing machine. The design of top-loading machines simply lends itself to less expensive replacement parts and easier access to maintenance. Also, you will usually have many more buying options of top-loading washers and generally lower prices than front loaded washers.

Front loading washing machines have a few benefits of their own as well. Generally, they are more energy efficient and they use much less water than top loading washers. Just be aware that these types of washing machines are more costly to buy and repair.

What brands of washers to buy?

As I mentioned above, it is to your benefit to have a washing machine brand, model, and year that has a well known track record of reliability, longevity, and inexpensive replacement part availability. Below are a few “greatest hits” in the world of washing machines. This is not a comprehensive list, but a quick and dirty guideline of well known high performing washing machine brands.

Speed Queen

Whirlpool

Maytag

What to inspect on a used washer?

If buying a from a used appliance store, there will not be a need to inspect the washer because it will already be tested, refurbished, and backed with a warranty. The following tips for inspecting a washing machine are geared toward purchasing from a private seller.

If the washing machine is hooked up to water, then it will be ideal to inspect a full spin cycle. Here you will be able to see and inspect the drum filling with water. Pay close attention to the base of the machine for water leakage and pooling. If there is any visible water, walk away.

As the water drains and before the drum begins to spin, pay close attention to water leakage as well as inspecting to see if the water is efficiently draining from the drum.

The next steps can be executed without it being hooked up to a water source, but it is a good idea to at least have the seller connect the washing machine to an electrical outlet so you can see a spin cycle.

While the drum is spinning, listen closely for any screeching, grinding or irregular sounds. If you can detect anything out of the ordinary, walk away.

Now, take a look into the washing machine drum for any signs of rust. Rust is particularly bad in washing machines because the rust will rub off onto the clothes you are washing and therefore making the whole laundry process pointless.

Conclusion

Using some of the points and insights I’ve outlined, you will be equipped with a solid game plan on how to find a good used washing machine. While there is always a risk when buying a complex machine with many moving parts, the tips I have described will increase your chances of purchasing a reliable washing machine on the second hand market.

If you're also in the market for a used dryer, check out this guide for buying it used!

If I missed any important tips, I would love to hear your thoughts as well! Please reach out or leave a comment below.

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