If you're considering buying a used pressure washer, you probably want to save some money. Owning one of these machines can increase the speed and efficiency of your cleaning chores, but like most people, you don't want to spend more than necessary.
A used pressure washer is an enticing option for those wanting to save money and admiring sparkling driveways. However, it's important that you know what you're getting into before making the purchase.
If you’re buying a used pressure washer for your home or small business, make sure the pressure washer is still in good working condition and that it uses an engine brand that is still in production today.
Determine the age of the pressure washer by locating the serial number on the engine and finding out when the engine was made.
If it’s an older model, check with the engine manufacturer to see if they still manufacture replacement parts for it. If not, you may have trouble getting replacement parts for your pressure washer down the road.
The biggest concern with buying a used pressure washer is how well it has been maintained and if it is still in working condition. A pressure washer with a really good pump (the most expensive part) that's in great shape might be worth buying even if the engine isn't running right. If the engine is still good but the pump has questionable life left in it, it might still make sense to buy if you can get a good price on it.
Unfortunately, there's no way to know exactly what you're getting until after you've already bought the machine, so unless you have some experience with these types of machines or know someone who does and can look at it for you first - this is not an ideal situation.
What Are the Advantages of Buying Used Pressure Washers
One of the most important ones is price. Used pressure washers are typically less than half the cost of new ones. They may have a few scratches and scuffs on them, but they work great and there's no need to worry about the manufacturers' warranties on them.
Another advantage of buying used is the variety of options you get at different price points. You can buy machines that are just starting out or fully built-in, depending on your budget and needs.
The fact that you're getting a great deal also means that you're in a position of strength when it comes to negotiating with the seller. You don't have to worry so much about finding yourself in a bad situation if you make your offer too low or too high.
You can find models that are well-tested and proven. Many of these machines have been around for years, so you can buy with confidence knowing that you're getting value for your money. You'll be able to find models with lower prices because they're no longer being manufactured or sold in large volumes and so have yet to be optimized or improved upon by their manufacturers.
Cons of buying Used Pressure Washers
There's the cost to buy and maintain the used machine. And remember, if you own a piece of used equipment, you're responsible for any damage or accidents it causes. You could also be held liable if someone else rents your equipment without your knowledge or permission.
You have less control over what happens to used equipment: It's far more likely that something will go wrong with a used machine than with a new one — and if it does, you might not know about it right away.
The customer service level is lower. When you're buying new, you're working with someone who has done this before and knows what they're doing. But when you're dealing with secondhand products, the people in charge might not know much about them and might not be able to give you the help you need. Instead of buying a used one, you can visit the Giraffetools collections and get yourself the best pressure washers at discounted prices.