Proceed with caution if you buy used appliances

More and more people are buying used items. I’m not sure if this is because of the recession but cost-conscious consumers see them as a way to save ­money.

There are many ­bargains in the ­second-hand ­market and some people make a day out of shopping at thrift stores and yard sales — but there are disadvantages buyers must remember.

When buying used goods, the Consumer ­Protection Act 1999 and the Sale of Goods Act 2002 have limited application.

Essentially, the principle of “caveat ­emptor”, or let the buyer beware, applies.

This is especially important to remember when buying costly used items, such as major appliances.

If you are replacing a household ­appliance and are considering buying ­second-hand, proceed with caution. Here are some ­useful tips.

• Look at and price new appliances ­before you shop for a used one so you are aware of the value and do not overpay.

• Be mindful of what features are important to you.

• Check with appliance dealers — they may have “scratch and dent” items or refurbished appliances in their warehouse they are willing to sell.

• Look at appliances very carefully to see if it appears to have been well cared for, if it may have been repaired or if it is missing any parts.

• Plug it in and listen to it. Try the controls and make sure that everything works.

• Ask how old the appliance is. The life expectancy of most major household appliances varies from one to 17 years based on the type of appliance. You can find out this information online.

Deduct the age of the ­appliance to find out roughly how many years of service you can expect to get.

• Try to estimate the amount of use the appliance has had.

If you are buying from a private owner with a large family, any major appliance has probably had a plenty of use.

For instance, a washing machine will probably be used daily by a large family and once a week by one or two people.

• Ask why the appliance is being sold.

n If you are buying from a dealer, find out if the ­appliance has been rebuilt or ­repaired and if delivery and installation are included in the price.

• Find out where you can get parts and service. This is very important.

The appliance may be for sale because parts and service are no longer available or because service is poor.

• Ask about the warranty. If a motor has been rebuilt, you should get a warranty covering it.

If you are buying from a private owner, the warranty may still be valid.

Ask for it and read it — some warranties are in ­effect only as long as the ­appliance is owned by the original buyer.

• Get the manual if it is available. If not, contact the manufacturer, giving the model number, and ask for one.

• Check that the appliance has not been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which is ­enforceable in Bermuda.

• Before you buy your used appliance, ask your ­insurance representative for ­information on insuring it.

Buying secondhand can be rewarding but it does have its risks.

Use the same good judgment and ­planning skills you would if you were ­buying new good in order to avoid getting ripped off.

Honey Adams is the ­education officer for the ­office of Consumer Affairs, within the Ministry of ­Culture and Social Rehabilitation’s Department of ­Human Affairs. For more information on your rights as a ­consumer visit www.ca.gov.bm