Buy A Treadmill : What To Know Before You Buy A Treadmill

However, my answer surprised him. I told him if it was my choice, I would go with Brand B for $1099. Here's why:

Although the motor power is lower than Choice #1 and the price is higher, Brand B makes an overall better treadmill. Why?

Brand B has a reputation for making high quality treadmils and backing them up with extensive warranties, including 10 years on the motor. It can afford to give such lengthy warranties because it knows that it makes a quality product that probably WON'T break down - even in 10 years.

Brand A on the other hand offers a 90 day motor warranty. What does that tell you about the quality of parts?

Although motor power is a good feature to consider when buying a treadmill - you have to be careful. Look at it in the context of the whole treadmill - including the brand.

Not all brands are created equal. Some use extremely high quality materials. Others well, don't. Make sure to look beyond just the bare numbers - look at the whole picture to find the best treadmill.

#2) Don't Always Believe What The Salesperson Tells You

Get it in writing. This isn't to put down any salesperson. But they are human. They do make mistakes, and sometimes this can end up costing you.

I had another lady e-mail me asking for advice on choosing a treadmill. She'd narrowed it down to several and was leaning towards one in particular (Let's call it Treadmil X).

She had been told by a salesperson in a store that this Treadmill X (for $899) came with a lifetime warranty on the motor.

This lady was smart. She was looking at the whole picture. The price was excellent. The motor power was average (1.75 HP). And who can pass up a lifetime motor warranty?

But wait a minute. I was familiar with this brand and knew something was off.

This particular treadmill brand never gives lifetime motor warranties - ever. Not even on their commercial treadmills. So why would they offer a lifetime motor warranty on one of their economy treadmills?

I voiced my concerns to her and wasn't surprised to hear back a couple of days later that the salesperson had actually been mistaken about the lifetime warranty.

If she had bought this treadmill simply based on what the salesperson said, she might have gotten a big surprise - especially since this particular brand is known for being extremely costly to repair.

Don't always trust what the salesperson says. Make sure to get it in writing!

#3 Forget the Price Tag - Look at the REAL Price Of The Treadmill

Price is probably one of the most important factors in choosing which treadmill you are going to buy. But sometimes the price can be misleading.

For example, let's say you're looking at Brand A in a store with a price of $799. Pretty good price right? A much better deal than Brand B - sold online - at $999.

But look closer at Brand A. Brand A only comes with a 90 day parts and labor warranty so you need to buy added coverage. You pay $50 for a 2 year extended motor warranty.

So Brand A's total cost is now $849 (with a 2 year motor warranty)

Brand B is still $999 (with a 10 year motor warranty)

Overall, you figure that Brand A is still the better deal since it's cheaper.

But look closer. You need to pay shipping for Brand A. Shipping costs from most stores usually run you about $150. Brand B, since it is sold online offers free shipping.

So Brand A's total cost is now $998 (with a 2 year motor warranty)

Brand B is still $999 (with a 10 year motor warranty)

With Brand A, $799 has gone to buy the treadmill, $50 has gone to buy the warranty and $150 has gone into shipping.

With Brand B, $999 has gone to buy the treadmill (warranty included).

So which treadmill do you think actually gives you the most value for your money?

And don't forget that many online treadmill stores don't charge sales tax. The store that sells Brand A does. That technically makes Brand A MORE expensive than Brand B.

So when comparing treadmills, make sure to consider the TOTAL COST of each treadmill before you buy.

By keeping these 3 tips in mind you'll be on your way to choosing the best treadmill investment for you. Good luck!

Looking for a high quality treadmill? Don't forget to check out our "Best Buys" page

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