Since stovea are a subject, I have questions...

[luxflairguy]

I am moving here soon and will need to put a 30 inch range into a new townhouse. I want to go vintage and have seen several vintage stoves that would fit the ticket.
Two are from private parties via Craiglist and the third is also from Craiglist, but from a used appliance dealer. This stove is exactly the same as one of the private sellers but has been professionally cleaned, wiring checked etc and has a 6 month warranty. The private sale stove is $80.00 and the dealer stove is $160.00.
So the question is...do you think I'd do better getting a stove that has been checked-out than from a private seller?
Comments please!
Greg

 

[danemodsandy]

Depends on the Seller:

Used appliance places vary a lot - some are very scrupulously honest, some are in the appliance biz because they can't scrape together enough money for a buy-here-pay-here used car lot.

You need to find out whatever you can about their business reputation. Satisfied customers, if you can find any, will be a good sign. Better Business Bureau membership - along with a good BBB record - would be another.

Look at the premises. Clean, in good order, with scrupulously clean merchandise? Is there a repair shop in the back? Does the help get nervous if you try to peek in the shop? Is everyone in a decent mood? An unhappy place is often a place you don't want to depend on if a warranty concern comes up. Also, does anyone make any attempt to "put you in your place" when you display any knowledge, by telling you that their opinion is the only right one, so as to gain control of the conversation? This is a BAD sign.

You just have to add up all the signs and see if they equal the start of a good relationship. Ignore the merchandise for the moment, and concentrate on the place itself, and you'll pick up a good or bad vibe. Falling in love with an appliance before getting to know the place is what can set you up for trouble.

Hope I've helped a little.