Is Buying a Used Washer and Dryer Worth It? Here’s What You Should Know

By Just Washers & DryersPublished October 14, 202610 min read

If you've ever walked into an appliance store and seen the prices of brand-new washers and dryers, you've probably asked yourself: do I really need to spend this much just to wash and dry my clothes?

The answer is no.

Buying a used washer and dryer can be one of the smartest purchases you make for your home, especially on a budget. A used washer and dryer in good working order can give you years of dependable service for a fraction of the price of new.

But not every used appliance is a good deal. Some machines are carefully inspected, serviced and ready for everyday use. Others are sold untested, have hidden problems, or are near the end of their life.

At Just Washers & Dryers, we believe you deserve affordable laundry appliances without giving up basic reliability. In this guide, we'll cover the pros and cons of buying used, compare real ownership costs, and help you decide whether used is right for your household.

How much can you save buying a used washer and dryer?

Let's start with the biggest advantage: price. A brand-new washer and dryer set can easily cost $1,000 to $2,000 or more, depending on brand, size and features. A standard used set often costs a few hundred dollars.

Here's an example comparing a typical new set with one of our refurbished sets:

The new-set price is an illustration, not a current market average. Our delivery fee is $0, $25 or $75 depending on your ZIP code; this example uses $25.

In this example, buying refurbished saves $990 up front, about 66%. That's money you could put toward groceries, rent, utilities or getting to work.

Prices vary by brand, age, condition and seller. The point is that you don't need to spend $1,500 to have working laundry machines at home. Still setting your budget? Read How Much Should You Pay for a Used Washer and Dryer?

Are used washers and dryers reliable?

This is the biggest worry most people have. Nobody wants to spend several hundred dollars on a washer that quits a month later.

The good news is that many washers and dryers have plenty of life left when their first owners sell them. Reliability depends on:

• The manufacturer's design
• The machine's age
• How much it was used
• Whether it was properly maintained
• Its current mechanical condition
• Whether replacement parts are still available

For example, a standard top-load washer with a simple mechanical design is usually easier to repair. Many older Whirlpool-family washers and dryers use widely available parts, which keeps repairs more affordable. Compare brands in Best Used Washer and Dryer Brands.

Age alone doesn't tell the whole story. A well-kept ten-year-old washer can be a better buy than a heavily used four-year-old one. Our advice: judge the machine, not just its age.

That's why we clean, inspect and run every machine through full cycles, and replace worn parts, before it leaves our shop. Every machine also comes with a 90-day parts and labor warranty.

Top-load or front-load: which is better used?

We carry both, and both have strengths. For shoppers who mainly want affordable, simple laundry machines, a traditional top-load washer is often the easiest choice.

Why many buyers choose top-load

• Simple to use. Familiar controls and simple cycles. Load the clothes, add detergent and start. You don't need a touchscreen, Wi-Fi or a dozen specialty cycles to wash everyday clothes.
• Often cheaper to repair. Many standard top-loaders use common parts that a technician can reach without taking the whole machine apart. This depends on the model: some newer top-loaders also have complex electronics.
• Easy loading. No bending down to reach a front door.
• Easy to find. Standard top-loaders are common on the used market, so there are more models and prices to choose from.

Are front-load washers bad?

Not at all. Front-loaders clean very well, use less water, are gentler on clothes and often hold more. The trade-off is that some repairs, like drum bearings, door gaskets or tub assemblies, can be expensive. Front-loaders also need room in front for the door to open.

Think about what matters most to you rather than assuming one style is always better. When you order from us, tell us your preference in the notes and we'll match what's in stock.

Is buying used better than going to the laundromat?

For many households, absolutely. Say a family spends $30 a week washing and drying at a laundromat:

Now say the family buys our refurbished set for $485 plus a $25 delivery fee, with hookup included. That's $510, the same as about 17 weeks of laundromat spending. The set is paid back in roughly four months of avoided laundromat fees.

Laundry at home isn't free: you still pay for water, electricity or gas, detergent and occasional repairs, so the true break-even point comes a little later. Even so, the savings add up fast.

What about your time?

Money isn't the only cost. A laundromat trip can mean:

• Sorting and packing your clothes
• Loading everything into your car
• Driving to the laundromat
• Waiting for open machines
• Moving clothes from washer to dryer
• Folding and packing everything
• Driving home

Two hours a week on laundromat trips adds up to about 104 hours a year. With machines at home, you can do laundry while you cook, clean, help with homework or rest. That convenience has real value.

How long does a used set need to last to be worth it?

A common myth is that a used set must last another ten or fifteen years to be worth buying. It doesn't. Here's what our $485 set costs per month, depending on how long it lasts:

Purchase price only. Does not include delivery, utilities, repairs or upkeep.

Even if the set lasts only three years, the purchase price works out to about $13.50 a month. That's less than half of one week at the laundromat. Every extra year makes the value better.

No one can promise exactly how many years a used machine will last. What you can do is buy machines in good mechanical condition from a seller who tests them and stands behind them.

What are the disadvantages of buying used?

You should know the downsides before you buy.

• Unknown history. From a private seller, you may not know how much a machine was used or whether it was maintained.
• Wear. Used machines have some wear. Pumps, motors, belts, bearings, suspension parts and heating elements can eventually fail.
• Shorter warranty. New appliances usually come with a manufacturer's warranty. Used machines may have a shorter warranty or none at all. Ours carry a 90-day parts and labor warranty, and you can file a claim online.
• Higher utility use. Some older washers use more water and electricity than newer high-efficiency models, which matters most for households doing lots of laundry.
• Fewer modern features. Standard used machines may not have automatic detergent dispensing, steam cycles, smart connectivity or advanced fabric-care programs. For some people that's a drawback; for others, simpler controls are a plus.

Private seller or used appliance dealer?

Both have advantages. A private seller may charge less, especially when moving or clearing out a home. But private sellers usually sell as-is and often can't show the machines running.

A dealer may charge more but can offer testing, refurbishing, delivery, installation and a warranty. These services vary by dealer, so never assume; ask.

Example: two different experiences

You find a used set on Facebook Marketplace for $300. The seller says both machines work, but they're disconnected in a garage. You arrange a truck, move them and hook them up yourself. Then the washer won't drain. Now finding and fixing the problem is up to you.

Compare that with a refurbished set from a dealer who tests the machines and puts the warranty in writing. With us, our team hooks up your machines with new hoses and the right dryer cord, levels them, and runs a test cycle with you. You can inspect the machines at the door before you pay the balance, and we haul away your old ones for free.

Our advice: compare the total cost and the protection you get, not just the asking price. Our first article shows a side-by-side total cost example.

What should you check before buying a used washer and dryer?

A proper inspection is essential.

Washer checklist

1. Fills with water correctly.
2. Agitates or tumbles while washing.
3. Drains properly.
4. Finishes its spin cycle.
5. Runs without heavy shaking.
6. Doesn't leak while running.

Dryer checklist

1. Starts normally.
2. Turns the drum.
3. Heats when heat is selected.
4. Runs without grinding or squealing.
5. Has working controls and safety features.
6. Shows no signs of overheating or electrical damage.

A machine that powers on isn't proven to work. A washer may fill but not spin. A dryer may tumble but not heat. A full test cycle catches exactly these problems. For the full walkthrough, see What to Check Before Buying a Used Washing Machine. Before you order, our free lesson Pick your machine shows which hookups to check at home.

Do your washer and dryer need to match?

No. Matching machines look nice, but a washer and dryer don't need to be the same brand to work side by side. A Whirlpool washer and a GE dryer make a perfectly good pair. What matters is condition, capacity, size and whether they fit your hookups.

Stacking is different: stacked machines generally need compatible models and the manufacturer's stacking kit. If your space is a narrow closet, a one-piece stackable unit may be the answer.

If saving money is your priority, a dependable non-matching pair is a smart buy. Why pay more just for matching control panels? With our sets, we match brand and color when we can, and otherwise pair machines of the same size and style.

Who benefits most from buying used?

• Families on a budget. Buying used lowers the upfront cost and still gives you the convenience of laundry at home.
• First-time homeowners. A new home comes with plenty of expenses. Used machines let you set up the laundry room without another big purchase.
• Apartment renters. If your apartment has washer and dryer hookups, buying used can beat repeated laundromat trips. Always check that your lease allows it.
• Landlords and property managers. Rentals need machines that are fairly priced and cheap to maintain. Standard used machines with easy-to-find parts are a practical choice.
• Anyone replacing one broken machine. If your washer quit but your dryer works fine, there's usually no need to replace both. Our single washers and dryers are $259 delivered.

When is buying new the better choice?

We're big fans of buying used, but new can make sense if:

• You want a full manufacturer's warranty.
• You need special features.
• Energy and water efficiency are top priorities.
• You need a specific capacity or setup.
• You want a particular matching design.
• You plan to keep the machines for many years and want to start fresh.

Buying new also lets you pick an exact model instead of choosing from what's in stock. But new doesn't mean trouble-free: new appliances can have defects and breakdowns too. The difference is that a longer warranty gives you more protection in the first years.

How can you make a used washer and dryer last longer?

Good habits help your machines last.

• Don't overload the washer. Overloading strains the motor, suspension and bearings. Follow the manufacturer's load guidelines.
• Use the right amount of detergent. Too much leaves residue and can cause poor rinsing and buildup. High-efficiency (HE) washers need HE detergent.
• Keep the washer level. An uneven washer shakes more, and extra shaking causes wear. We level your washer when we install it.
• Clean the dryer lint filter. Clean it before or after every load.
• Keep the dryer vent clear. A blocked vent makes drying slower, uses more energy and can cause a fire. Check and clean it as needed, following the manufacturer's guidance.
• Act on strange noises early. Grinding, squealing or heavy shaking shouldn't be ignored. A small problem can cause more damage if you keep running the machine. If your machine is still under our warranty, file a warranty claim.

Our perspective at Just Washers & Dryers

We believe laundry appliances should be affordable, practical and dependable. Not everyone needs a $2,000 laundry set with advanced electronics. For most households, a standard washer and dryer handle everyday laundry just fine.

We also believe you should know what you're buying: the machine's condition, the warranty, and the full cost of delivery and installation. That's why our order form shows your exact total before you order, and you pay nothing until we confirm your delivery day.

We sell cleaned, tested, refurbished washers, dryers, complete sets and stackable units across Metro Atlanta. See our service areas. Whether you're setting up your first apartment, replacing a broken machine or just trying to save money, used appliances deserve a serious look.

Frequently asked questions

Is buying a used washer and dryer a good investment?

For many households, yes. A used set in good working order can save hundreds of dollars compared with new, especially when it gives several more years of dependable service.

How much should I spend on a used washer and dryer?

About $450 to $650 is a reasonable starting budget for a standard refurbished set. Prices depend on condition, model, availability and what services are included. Our sets are $485 delivered, with hookup, haul-away and a 90-day parts and labor warranty.

Is a ten-year-old washing machine worth buying?

It can be. A ten-year-old machine in good mechanical condition can still give useful service. Consider its age, wear, parts availability and likely repair costs.

Are refurbished washers and dryers better than regular used ones?

They can be, especially when refurbishing includes real inspection, testing and repairs. Ask the seller exactly what work was done.

Can a used washer and dryer last another five years?

Some can, but no seller can honestly promise that every used machine will last a set number of years. Remaining life depends on condition, use, maintenance and design.

Should I buy used appliances from Facebook Marketplace?

You can find good deals on online marketplaces, but buying from a private seller carries more risk. Whenever possible, see the machines run before you pay, and plan for moving, hookup and haul-away yourself.

Is buying used cheaper than renting a washer and dryer?

Usually, if you need laundry for more than several months. Renting costs less up front and may include repairs. For example, MyApplianceRental.com rents a pair for $70 a month, so about seven months of rent equals the price of our $485 set. If you only need machines for a short time, renting may fit better.

Final verdict: is buying a used washer and dryer worth it?

For most budget-minded households, yes. A used washer and dryer in good working order delivers excellent value compared with buying new or paying for the laundromat week after week.

The key is choosing the right machines. Don't buy a machine just because it's cheap. Look for reliable operation, reasonable repair costs, easy-to-find parts and clear purchase terms in writing.

Keep reading

• Used Washer and Dryer Brands to Avoid: 7 Warning Signs
• Best Used Washer and Dryer Brands: 7 Brands Worth Buying
• What to Check Before Buying a Used Washing Machine: 15 Tips

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