by Beverly T.
Member since:
September 19, 2007

Rock Bottom Frugal Living Tip 13

February 03, 2009 07:32 PM EST (Updated: February 03, 2009 07:32 PM EST)
views: 101 | comments: 20

"Buy older working appliances (large or small) for a fraction of their original cost. Then look on the brand website to download a free instruction booklet for your model. You can save twice. Many instruction booklets have troubleshooting sections and fix-it-yourself details. Also call the company's toll-free number if you have problems. They will often guide you through repairs or even send free replacement parts."
Carrie Z. in Rockland, ME

I found this tip in a forum. You have to balance the savings of paying out less for an older appliance versus any energy savings for running a newer and supposedly more energy effiicient machine. Not all appliances that are newer are more energy efficient. In addition to that, not all appliances have their instruction booklet on the Internet. Many do however and it's worth looking for them. My sister was able to find an instruction booklet for a new bread machine that was marked down at the store because they lost the booklet.

Do your homework first.
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Comments: 20

Nora Davenport Feb 3, 2009, 7:36pm EST
Great tip, Beverly! It' just incredible the cost of brand new appliances these days.....absolutely amazing......that would be a great way to save, by buying used ones, but being careful when one does.
Dorine H. Feb 3, 2009, 7:36pm EST
The down side of this is that they can cost you more on your energy bills, as they are often not energy efficient or Energystar rated.
Marilyn M. Feb 3, 2009, 7:43pm EST
Good thinking. I learned long ago that some folks with too much money decide they want to redecorate after having their appliances for a short time, because the "color wasn't right".
Marilyn M. Feb 3, 2009, 7:44pm EST
We also have one of those "scratch and dent" places nearby and you can get a huge savings because someone dropped a washer or refrig when they were trying to deliver.
Connie L. Feb 3, 2009, 7:52pm EST
thanks for the tip
alicia h. Feb 3, 2009, 8:04pm EST
great tip!
Alison H. Feb 3, 2009, 8:29pm EST
Great tip! I bought a bread machine at the Goodwill for $5.00, and though it wasn't appropriate for my needs, I didn't lose much by trying it out. Craigslist would be a good source for appliances.
Elizabeth B. Feb 3, 2009, 9:00pm EST
good tip, thank you!
R B Feb 3, 2009, 9:04pm EST
Homework. Not all are a good buy.
Paul M. Feb 3, 2009, 10:53pm EST
Aw but I like getting all the neat gizmos and bells and whistles.
Beverly T. Feb 4, 2009, 1:10am EST
Back when I was growing up, buying used appliances was not so common. Nevertheless, my folks managed to find a few places where they bought their bargain basement deals. I learned from the best.

We have quite a few used appliance stores around us, and when we moved into our current rental home we needed to purchase a refrigerator and stove. We spent less than $100 for both, and they are both doing well today. The frig. is not so pretty to look at, but we're pleased with it. I look forward to the day when I can replace it with a newer used appliance.
Michelle W. Feb 4, 2009, 5:54am EST
Good tip. We bought a new refrigerator when we bought our house so my hubby could have the one he wanted.
Beverly T. Feb 4, 2009, 6:36pm EST
I've had new refrigerators that lasted for less time than old used ones. How weird is that?
Marsha S. Feb 4, 2009, 7:07pm EST

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rainne chandler Feb 5, 2009, 1:21pm EST
wonderful tip i have never had new ones and i live just fine
rainne chandler Feb 5, 2009, 1:21pm EST
would you have any ideas about replacing a broken drawer in my frige
Beverly T. Feb 5, 2009, 9:51pm EST
Rainne, go online to the manufacturer of the refrigerator and see if you can order drawers for it. It depends if the unit is one that's still being sold in stores whether that's possible. It couldn't hurt to ask, anyway.
Terri V. Feb 14, 2009, 6:18am EST
Great tip
katrina schumann Feb 17, 2009, 2:34pm EST
I belong to freecycle.org & also local recycling group where everything is free! you freely offer & freely get! FREE is the best price of all! I also get used applicances (some brand new) at Goodwill; got my bread maker there as well; if you have not tossed it, I have found that mixing the bread & then baking in oven works far better for me than baking in the bread maker; however, mine was new at Goodwill for $10.00; with 2 receipes books giving me great recipes & tips to make own spreads, butters, etc: always think OUTSIDE the box! Again, when making bread, experiment to find out which suits you the best; I had to adjust recipes til I found what I liked the best; never could make "white" bread come out good;

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