Is it advisable to buy appliances for sale by the owner?

Buying appliances for sale by the owner can be successful as long as proper precautions are taken. Buyers should test the appliances to ensure they are functioning as they should, and the condition of the seller's house is a useful indicator as to how he takes care of appliances.

Consumers should not buy from sellers who hesitate or try to get around testing appliances while they are plugged in. Buyers need to fiddle with the knobs and buttons to make sure they all work. During testing, buyers should listen for odd noises or clues that the appliance is about to break down. Looking at appliances in a short period of time also helps buyers better compare prices and condition.