How to Buy a Washer Dryer on Craigslist

Craigslist is a fantastic source for affordable appliances. Not only can you avoid the hassle of full-price retailers, but delivery can be quick, easy and local. Unfortunately, a major purchase on Craigslist--like washers and dryers--can be risky. Keep these steps in mind as you scroll your way through hundreds of tempting pictures of inexpensive appliances.

Instructions

1. Consider the price. First and foremost, look at what a seller is offering. Prices will vary greatly, but the two appliances together usually sell for anywhere between $100 and $450. Check your local retailers for price comparisons before inquiring about a $700 set. Similarly, $50 might be a little too good to be true for a washer dryer combination.

2. Ask the seller how long he has had the set and how many loads of laundry he does per week. Be cautious about purchasing a washer dryer set from a large family. Families with three or more kids can do as many as 10 or more loads a week, which over a period of time can wear the machine out.

3. Confirm that the hoses are being sold with the machines. This is a crucial step when buying from craigslist. A dryer needs an exhaust hose, and a washer needs a drain hose. Make sure your seller is providing you with both, or ask him to come down on the price.

4. Check to see if the washer dryer is gas, electric or both. You may have only one type of set-up in your home. If the hookups are electric, ask the seller whether the dryer is a three-prong or four-prong cord. Check your laundry room plug and make sure your plug matches the seller's cord. New cords can be purchased at a hardware store, but this is an added expense and inconvenience.

5. Request a demonstration from the seller. Many Craigslist sales involve appliances that have not been hooked up in a long time. Washers and dryers (especially dryers) are sensitive to being moved around. Make absolutely certain that both machines work before carting them off.

Tips & Warnings

• Always ask a seller if the heat works on the dryer. Many Craigslist dryers are sold with broken heat settings. A dryer will not be worth the money if you can only tumble dry.

• Ask your seller if there is anything you should know about the appliances. Does the dryer work better on a specific setting? Does the washer function on permanent press? How much can you put in a small load?

• Don't ever purchase a dryer without a lint screen. Lint screens are hard to replace since appliance styles change so often, and a dryer cannot run without a lint screen.