buying used generator online

We purchased an Onan Marquis Gold 5500 genset on Craigslist and have had no problems whatsoever. I've bought many things from CL, and have never had a problem. I have run into a few flakes and/or shady sellers, but they're pretty easy to weed out in advance; and then you simply do not do a transaction with those folks.

OP here,,

just testing he waters , I will want to add a generator over the next year or so and wanted to start some homework..

I have always purchased stuff like that new , it has always been easier ,but now with the interweb (as Richard Rawlings calls it) , it is so easy to reach out and find good/not so good deals..

Thanks all for your input to this point ! !

avvidclif1 wrote:
Buying ANYTHING used and unseen either;
1. Know how to fix it or
2. Have deep pockets

That's my rules

I agree there is a risk involved. However using a credit card or Paypal there are protections in place.
Your rules should include purchase via a credit card where you can dispute the sale if necessary

There is also savings to be had buying used. I purchased a $3500 generator for less than half price.
Selling on a national level can benefit both buyer and seller.

Buying ANYTHING used and unseen either;
1. Know how to fix it or
2. Have deep pockets

That's my rules

I purchased my Robins Subaru 4300 is generator on Ebay about 8 years ago. It is still going strong

Just bought a gently used Honda EU3000iS from CL for $1100.It has a few paint scratches, but then mine wouldn't look pretty for long.

The generator had less than 100 hours. Passed testing with a volt meter. Runs smoothly. No problems.

Normal sales price $1999 plus 8.25% tax. Normal local CL price $1300 to $1500

I bought my champion generator on ebay from blasterplus in 2014. The listing said refurbished, but It looked brand new when it arrived. No problems with it at all.

I just remembered that the used minivan we purchased last fall I found on craigslist. It was a good deal advertised by a dealer about 5 hours from me. We drove there to inspect it and a test drive. They fixed a few issues that we found, and they delivered it to our house the next week.

I buy and sell on craigslist all the time, never had an issue. Selling you just get flakes and have to deal with that. Buying just stsy local and most of the time you will meet up at there house i dont think anybody will try to lie about the item when your going to make a deal at there house. Theres still alot of good people in the world, ive made deals where the seller will leave the item hidden outside and i just put the cash where they tell me to leave it.

I paid $175 for a generator that sells for 5 times that much that has lasted me 5 years, Kajiji.
You have to go look and decide for yourself, but then recently I drove half an hour to pick up a newer one at a large retailer only to find the guy had lied about the price so you always have to do that.
Don't forget there is not going to be a warantee when evaluating.

The advantage of Craigslist is that it's local, or supposed to be. Makes it much easier to deal with issues. You can go see it, or have it brought to you, bring a few tools and try it out. Don't like it? Don't buy it. Buying when shipping is involved, especially from a private, can lead to issues if there are problems. IMO, better to buy from a company, if to be shipped. Use a credit card or some other method where you have recourse.

Lyle