The Best Motor Car

If you’re buying a treadmill, chances are you’ve done lots of research already. You probably know exactly what makes up a high calibre treadmill and have an intent of which features you want in your unit.

But even with this knowledge many people still start prey to slick treadmill deals that end up costing them in the long run.

In order to keep that from happening to you, here are 3 essential buying tips to make sure you select the very ideal treadmill for you.

#1) Not All Treadmill Brands Are Created Equal

I recently had a gentleman e-mail me asking for advice on which treadmill he should buy. He had narrowed it down to 3 choices:

Brand A: 2.5 HP motor $999

Brand B: 1.75 HP motor $899

Brand C: 2.0 HP motor $1099

He asked me which treadmill I would buy. He was clearly leaning towards Brand A.

This was the natural choice for most people and it makes sense: get the most for the least. Or get the most motor power for the least amount of money.

However, my answer surprised him. I told him if it were my choice, I would go with Brand C for $1099. Here’s why:

Although the motor power is lower than Brand A and the price is higher, Brand C makes an overall superior treadmill. Why?

Brand C has a reputation for making high calibre treadmills and backing them up with extensive warranties, including a lifetime warranty on the motor. It can afford to give such lengthy warranties because it knows that it makes a calibre product that probably WON’T break down – even over a lifetime.

Brand A on the other hand offers a 90-day motor warranty. What does that tell you about the calibre of parts?

Although motor power is a good feature to think about when buying a treadmill – you have to be careful. Look at it in the context of the whole treadmill – including the brand.

Not all treadmill brands are created equal. Some treadmill brands use extremely high calibre materials. Others well, don’t.

Make sure to look beyond just the bare numbers when choosing a treadmill. Look at the whole picture to find the ideal treadmill for you.

#2) Don’t Always Believe What The Salesperson Tells You

Get it in writing. This isn’t to place down any salesperson – but they are human. They do make mistakes, and sometimes this can end up costing you.

I had another Mohammedan e-mail me asking for advice on choosing a treadmill. She’d narrowed it down to several and was leaning towards one in particular (let’s call it Treadmill X).

She had been told by a salesperson in the store that this Treadmill X (for $899) came with a lifetime warranty on the motor.

This Mohammedan was smart. She was looking at the whole treadmill picture. The price was excellent. The motor power was average (1.75 HP). And who can pass up a lifetime motor warranty?

But move a minute.

I was evenhandedly familiar with this treadmill brand and knew something was off.

This particular treadmill brand never gives lifetime motor warranties – ever. Not even on their commercial treadmills. So why would they offer a lifetime motor warranty on one of their economy treadmills?

I voiced my concerns to her and wasn’t surprised to hear back a couple of days later that the salesperson had actually been mistaken about the lifetime warranty.

If she had purchased this treadmill simply based on what the salesperson said, she might have gotten a nasty surprise – especially since this particular treadmill brand is known for being extremely pricey to repair.

Don’t always trust what the salesperson says. Make sure to get it in writing before you buy!

#3 Forget the Price Tag – Look at the REAL Price Of The Treadmill

Price is probably one of the most important factors when buying a treadmill. But sometimes the price of the treadmill can be misleading.

For example, let’s state you’re looking at Brand A in a store with a price of $799. Pretty good price right?

A much superior deal than Brand B – sold online – at $999.

But look closer at Brand A. Brand A only comes with a 90 day parts and fag warranty so you need to purchase added coverage. You pay $50 for a 2 year extended motor warranty.

So Brand A’s total cost is now $849 (with a 2 year motor warranty)

Brand B is still $999 (with a 10 year motor warranty already included)

Overall, you figure that Brand A is still the superior deal since it’s cheaper.

But look closer. You need to pay shipping costs for Brand A. Shipping costs from most stores usually run you about $150.

Brand B, since it is sold online offers free shipping (most online treadmill sellers do).

So Brand A’s total cost is now $998 (with a 2 year motor warranty)

Brand B is still $999 (with a 10 year motor warranty)

With Brand A, $799 has gone to purchase the treadmill, $50 has gone to purchase the warranty and $150 has gone into shipping.

With Brand B, $999 has gone to purchase the treadmill (warranty included).

So which treadmill do you think actually gives you the most value for your money?

And don’t forget that many online treadmill stores don’t charge income tax. The store that sells Brand A does. That technically makes Brand A MORE costly than Brand B.

So when comparing treadmills, make sure to think about the TOTAL COST of apiece treadmill before you buy.

By keeping these 3 tips in mind when purchasing a treadmill:

- Not all treadmill brands are created equal

- Don’t believe what the salesperson tells you – get it in writing

and

- Look at the REAL price of the treadmill

you’ll be well on your way to choosing the ideal treadmill investment for you.