If you are shopping around for a lawnmower, you have probably noticed that brand-new lawnmowers can be extremely expensive. If you do not want to drop thousands of dollars for a new lawnmower, then you can search for a used lawnmower. Obviously, when looking for used hardware, there is always the possibility that you buy something less than operational.
Where Can I Find a Used Lawnmower?
As with any used product, there are a ton of places you can find a used lawnmower. Internet retail sites like Amazon and eBay are perennial choices, while other marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook marketplace are also popular choices. Several home & garden stores might also sell used or refurbished models. There is also the option to buy a broken lawnmower and fix it up yourself.
How Much Does a Used Lawnmower Cost?
The exact price for a used lawnmower depends on the specific make and model. In general, a self-propelled push-behind lawn mower can cost up to $1,000. Riding mowers generally start at over $1,000, although you can probably find cheaper models than that. Like with other used products, you can often haggle with the owner to get a slightly discounted price.
Based on our research, you can estimate a used lawnmower’s market value by the following method. For lawnmowers less than 7 years old, the market value generally depreciates by 11%-14% for each year. So figure out the year the mower was made and apply this calculation to find an estimated fair market value of a used lawnmower. For lawnmowers less than 7 years old, you can also look up comparable sales around you to get a good idea of price ranges.
What to Look for in a Used Lawnmower
When shopping around for a used lawnmower, make sure to keep the following considerations in mind.
1. Brand
We recommend sticking with well-known brand-named lawnmowers. Some of the more popular brands include Honda, Kawasaki, Toro, Black & Decker, Craftsman, Husqvarna, John Deere, and Ryobi. Unfortunately, since you are buying used, you most likely won’t be able to take advantage of any manufacturer warranties. That is why you must buy brands that are known for their quality and longevity.
2. Maintenance History
Lawnmowers require regular maintenance and care, without which they will break down. You do not want to buy a used brand-name lawnmower but then find that it is in poor condition because it hasn’t been appropriately maintained. When you find a seller, make sure you inquire about maintenance and service history. This includes things such as:
- Oil changes
- Air filters
- New spark plugs
- Blade sharpening
- Tires
Try to get information about any hardware maintenance that would be relevant to the lawnmower’s performance. Things like tires, handles, and more are critical in making sure your lawnmower works properly. If you buy from a licensed dealer, they should have a record of any maintenance that they have done.
Alternatively, if you buy from an individual seller, then see if you can inspect the lawnmower in person before you buy. This will help you determine if you need to make any repairs before you can use it. We would not recommend buying a used lawnmower from an individual seller unless you inspect it in person first.
3. Seller
You can buy a used lawnmower from a licensed dealer or hardware store or you can buy from an individual seller. If you buy from a dealer, try to find out the maintenance history and if there is any warranty or service guarantee. According to our research, most used lawn mower dealers will offer at least a 30-day warranty on your purchase.
If you buy from an individual seller, try to see if they have a selling history you can check out. If you buy from a site like eBay or Amazon, you should be able to look up a seller rating and records of their previous transactions. Make sure you only buy from someone that has positive reviews. This indicates that they are a reliable seller and won’t try to scam you.
4. Price
Obviously, price is something you need to take into account. When you find a potential lawn mower that you want, search online for any comparable deals to see if you are getting a fair price. If you are getting charged too much, you can perhaps use these other listings to barter a lower price. If a lawnmower is 2-3 years old, you should not pay more than 60-70% of its retail value.
Pros & Cons of Buying a Used Lawnmower
Used Lawnmower Pros
- You can get a much lower price for a powerful brand-name mower than you would from buying a new one.
- You can get first-hand knowledge about how the lawnmower works from the previous user. You can’t really get this kind of first-hand knowledge from only reading product descriptions.
- If you want a specific model, you can usually find an older used mower of the same type for a much lower price.
Used Lawnmower Cons
- There is always the possibility that the seller damaged the mower beforehand and did not tell you.
- Used mowers that ostensibly work could have some worn-down parts that are close to breaking.
- Most of the time, used lawnmowers will not come with any hardware guarantees or warranties that you would get with a new model.
Buying a Used Lawnmower Bottom Line
Lawnmowers are expensive tools, so buying a used mower can be a good idea to get a good machine that won’t break the bank. Of course, if you are purchasing a used lawnmower, you need to be diligent and do your research to find the best deal.