7 tips for buying used appliances to avoid scams

If you’re shopping for a refrigerator, dishwasher or other big appliance, finding a used product could be the best way to snag a deal.

Used appliances, says Jim Nanni, associate director of product testing at Consumer Reports, “are often sold at a significant discount, and some are in pretty good or great condition.”

Another reason to consider going used: Prices for new major household appliances rose 3.4 percent from December 2022 to December 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ producer price index. A new refrigerator alone can run anywhere from $500 to upward of $5,000, according to Consumer Reports.

A used version typically costs a fraction of that. Still, shoppers should proceed with caution, says Robert Pearson, owner of AAA Appliances in Chantilly, Va. “An appliance can look fantastic, but looks can be deceiving,” he says. “A great-looking used appliance can be a total lemon.”

Follow this advice to avoid getting stuck with one of those.

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