Posted by Rachel,
You can save a lot of money by buying a used elliptical machine. But, there can be some big negatives. For example, most manufacturer warranties are not transferable.
A remanufactured unit is taken apart all the way down to the frame. Then, it is sand blasted and repainted. All of the original parts are reinstalled, unless they are too worn or broken. The manufacturer will probably throw in a 90 day “new” warranty, but you better read the fine print.
You are better off to find a factory refurbished elliptical, which is a newer model that was used, but refurbished by the manufacturer which will give it a full new price warranty. But, even then there will likely be lots of restrictions.
Try checking Craigslist in your home town for a used machine because then you can actually try it out before you commit your money. There still won’t be any warranty to speak of, but at least you can feel and touch the elliptical before you waste your money.
I bought a used elliptical machine and have had good success with its functionality. What helped is that I bought it from a friend and had a pretty good idea of how well maintained it was before I hauled it over to my apartment.