New or Used Appliances?

[Mitchlyn D.]

I just closed on a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom single family home which I bought as a rental. It doesn't have a refrigerator or stove. My question: Should I buy a used(habitat for humanity store) or brand new fridge and stove?

[Michael Boyer]

I have put in a gently used coil top range in before a couple of time (because they last forever and fairly easy to move and install) but with a refrigerator or washer or dryer or dishwasher, I just get a new one. 

There can be quite a bit of work to get these into units, especially stacked washer dryers that fit in many apartments. And I get new ones delivered free or low cost (and the old one hauled away). 

So if you can keep a good new appliance in there ten years or more you have less wear and tear on the unit (and you!).

Then the hook ups can be some work to do well (and you will want to replace hoses/lines, clean the dryer vent, maybe test shut offs), so the less you have to do this the better.

Plus, in my area appliance repair can easily be 50% the cost of a new appliance so getting a used one that might not have the same life span or require more repairs can be penny wise and pound foolish. 

For example, it may cost $200 bucks to repair that $50 dollar refrigerator off Craigslist. And if you want to haul it off, that costs even more in my area to decommission and then take to the dump. 

When I add in my time and hassle, I often find the new one is the cheapest in the long term. 

Plus, you have added confidence in a new appliance and less risk (of a leaky washer or frig that dies and spoils all the tenant's food). I am frugal but not foolish...

Best of luck!