Within days of replacing our old washing machine with a broken agitator the dryer began making horrendous noise when spinning (which is anytime it’s on). As related to you in December we wanted to repair it due to only being three years old.
Dryer Woes
After a $45 charge we learned the dryer motor was shot which would cost more than replacement. The annoying part (other than the short lifespan) was that we could have bought a matching dryer to the new washer at the pre-Thanksgiving sale for 50% off.
The Hunt is On
Since the clothes still dried we decided to keep looking for a bargain. In our home the washer and dryer are in a nook (with doors) off the kitchen and next to the living room. After six weeks of no luck, I couldn’t take the noise anymore!
Our options were buy new and pay more than we could at other times of the year or buy used. Mr. Boomer wasn’t sure about going used but we decided to see what was available and found good options on Craigslist.
Transaction
The dryer we found was a two year old GE for $85. The owner was selling it because they moved to a home set up for a gas dryer only. We arranged to see it and found a well-cared for dryer that was show-room clean with the original manual. (Have you ever had a dryer that required a manual to operate?)
We exchanged the currency for the dryer and the next day there was peace again during laundry time.
Summary
Craigslist or the local classified ads are viable options when looking for pre-owned items. Use caution when meeting sellers by going with another person or meeting in a public place.
Don’t forget to negotiate if you think the price has some wiggle room. Maybe a little foolishly we didn’t try to bargain. The price seemed more than fair to us.
We donated the old dryer to a local charity with full disclosure of the problem. So by reusing on both sides it was a green decision as well.
Next time we have to replace an appliance buying pre-owned will be one of the considerations. Do you buy pre-owned?
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{ 5 comments }
I am loving the kitty in the dryer! I bought one of the Sears deals last year at black friday (both my washer and dryer were limping along on their last leg). Waiting in line at 4:30 in the morning to get the “green” front load W and D for $599.00. My water bill was immediately cut by 25% and it was worth it. I love shopping on Craig’s list too!
.-= Miss Fanny´s last blog ..A Passion for Posting =-.
Glad to know you were successful on black friday.
I’ve used Craigslist to give away freebies, but never as a buyer. It was a good experience.
Good for you, Boomer!
Now, you say it was a “pre-owned” GE washer, but was it a “genuine certified pre-owned General Electric washer?”
That makes a difference, you know. 😉
Best,
Len
Len Penzo dot Com
.-= Len Penzo´s last blog ..Valentine’s Day Quiz: How to Tell If You’re Dating A Deadbeat (Yes, Really.) =-.
Darn, I forgot to look for the “genuine certified”!
Thanks for stopping by Len. Always a pleasure.
My one Craigslist experience was positive. I’m glad yours was too!
.-= SimplyForties´s last blog ..The DIYer’s Dilemma =-.
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