Setting up a new household often means buying a fridge, washing machine and microwave all at once, sometimes within the same week as paying bond and moving costs. Second-hand appliances can cut that bill dramatically. A three-year-old fridge that someone is selling because they are moving overseas might cost a third of its new price. The catch is that a dud appliance can cost you more in repairs, power and frustration than it saved. A few careful checks make all the difference.
Where to buy and what to ask
The main sources in New Zealand are Trade Me, Facebook Marketplace, appliance recyclers, auction houses and charity shops that accept electrical goods. Each has pros and cons. Private sellers can be the cheapest but offer no comeback. Recyclers and second-hand dealers usually charge more, but some test items and offer a short warranty.
Before you travel to look at anything, ask the seller:
- How old is it, and do they have the original receipt or manual?
- Why are they selling it?
- Has it ever been repaired, and if so, what was done?
- Can you see it plugged in and running?
- Does it come with all its parts, such as shelves, filters or hoses?
The answer to “why are you selling” tells you a lot. Moving house, upgrading or renovating are common and reassuring. Vague answers deserve extra caution.
Checking fridges and freezers
Fridges are the appliance most often bought second-hand and the one where a bad choice costs the most over time, because they run around the clock.
- See it running. Ideally the fridge should be on and cold when you arrive. A fridge that has been switched off “just to clean it” might be fine, or it might not cool at all.
- Check seals. Close the door on a piece of paper; it should hold firmly. Cracked or loose seals let cold air leak and increase running costs.
- Listen. A gentle hum is normal. Loud rattling, clicking or buzzing can point to compressor issues.
- Look for frost build-up in frost-free models, which may suggest a faulty defrost system.
- Check the energy rating label if it is still attached. Older, less efficient fridges can cost noticeably more each year to run.
Measure your space before buying, including the height under any overhead cupboards and the width of doorways. Allow a few centimetres around the back and sides for ventilation.
Washing machines, dryers and smaller appliances
For washing machines, ask to see a short cycle if possible, or at least run the drum by hand. It should spin smoothly without grinding. Check inside the door seal on front loaders for mould or trapped debris, and look underneath for rust or water stains that might hint at past leaks. Hoses should be flexible and free of cracks.
Dryers need a clean lint filter and a working heating element. Turn it on for a few minutes and feel for warmth. Vented dryers also need somewhere for the moist air to go, which can be a problem in some rentals, so check your new home’s setup first.
Small appliances such as kettles, toasters, microwaves and heaters are cheap to buy new, so look closely at the cords and plugs on second-hand ones. Frayed cords, scorch marks or loose plugs are a reason to walk away. Heaters in particular should be in good condition, with working tip-over switches where fitted.
Budgeting, reselling and record keeping
As a very rough guide, decent second-hand fridges often sell for $150 to $600, washing machines for $150 to $500 and dryers for $80 to $300, depending on age, size and brand. Factor in delivery if you do not have a trailer; local courier or man-with-a-van services commonly charge $60 to $150 for a single item across town.
Keep receipts and screenshots of listings. If you later sell items on, or if appliances become part of a wider conversation about dividing household property, a simple record helps. People who buy and resell goods regularly may find the tax position different from someone selling personal items, and the Inland Revenue site explains the general principles. Get independent advice on anything specific to your circumstances.
If you are also helping prepare a former shared home for sale, the outside matters as much as the kitchen. This piece on lifting a house’s street appeal without spending much has practical ideas for the exterior.
Frequently asked questions
How old is too old for a second-hand fridge? Many fridges last 10 to 15 years, but efficiency drops with age. A fridge under seven or eight years old is often a reasonable buy if it is in good condition.
Is it safe to buy second-hand electrical appliances? Generally yes, as long as cords, plugs and casings are undamaged and the item works properly. If in doubt, an electrician can test an appliance for a modest fee.
Should I buy a second-hand dishwasher? It can be good value, but installation may require plumbing and electrical work. Check the connections in your new home before committing.