Buy the sellers' refrigerator or not?

[urbancowgirl]

Hi ladies! First time home buyer here. We need to decide whether we want to buy the sellers' refrigerator. It's a counter-depth, side-by-side stainless steel Kitchenaid that's three or four years old. They've offered to sell it to us for $1200. Looks like similar new Kitchenaid models start at $2k. I'm inclined to buy it (1) to make things easy and (2) because we're getting a home warranty. Can you think of any reason why we shouldn't buy it from the sellers? Any other advice? TIA!

[kaylie]

I wouldn't pay $1200 for a fridge that's a few years old; it would be worth it to me to get a brand new one where I know there aren't chronic problems. A home warranty might cover it for a year, but it's still a pain to have to call a service tech. I would research the specific model number and make sure that there aren't a lot of complaints about it.

[jhawks482]

Dec 27, 2012 11:42:45 GMT -5 kaylie said:

I wouldn't pay $1200 for a fridge that's a few years old; it would be worth it to me to get a brand new one where I know there aren't chronic problems. A home warranty might cover it for a year, but it's still a pain to have to call a service tech. I would research the specific model number and make sure that there aren't a lot of complaints about it.

Exactly this. I'd buy new for that price. And also, how long is the home warranty- and are you sure a fridge is covered under that? Usually it's things like a roof leak, structural things.

[thewop]

I'd buy new just for peace of mind.

[SusanBAnthony]

Ditto researching the specific model. My neighbor bought a new LG, and later discovered it has a chronic problem with the ice maker, ever few months the line cracks. After getting it fixed a few times, they gave up and disconnected it. So I would be worried about a lemon like that. That said, even if it checks out fine, I wouldn't pay more than 1k for it.

[urbancowgirl]

The home warranty is for one year, but we could extend it. And it does cover appliances. But you ladies have me rethinking everything!

[peach]

For 1200 bucks you can buy a decent brand new one. maybe not a snazzy kitchenaid, but it would be brand new:)

[wawa]

You might be able to buy a brand new one for less than that, but would it fit in the space? Is the kitchen set up that a counter-depth is your only option? Because that severely limits your choices. Do some research on that specific model and on what you can buy new that will fit in the space and make a decision from there.

[sierramist03]

I'd buy a brand new one for $1200 then a use one. It might not be as snazzy.

[sjh722]

I just got a brand-new, in the box, french-door Samsung at the sears outlet for $1200, marked down from $2K.

I would not pay $1200 for a 3 year old fridge. Also, home warranties tend to cover the things that DON'T break/are an easy fix and leave you stuck on expensive repairs.

[emoflamingo]

I'm lazy and I'd buy the fridge they have. I did that at our new house because it looks brand new, I didn't even ask how old it is. Hell, the water and ice dispenser work so it can't be that bad lol. Of course, the previous owners were not hooligans and took care of their belongings, so I am not worried.

If you can get a new one for $2k, I'd pop for it.

[urbancowgirl]

I talked it over with DH and we decided to buy a new one. We have a Sears outlet nearby, so we'll look there first.

Also wanted to add that it's typical in our area for the seller to take the refrigerator and washer/dryer with them when they move. I thought it was weird, but apparently that's what people do here.

[sjh722]

Dec 27, 2012 12:55:05 GMT -5 urbancowgirl said:

I talked it over with DH and we decided to buy a new one. We have a Sears outlet nearby, so we'll look there first.

If you can make friends with a salesperson, they'll tell you which days they get shipments in. A lot of it on the floor is scratch-and-dent (and a lot of the ones I saw, the scratch was on the side and would be covered depending on your cabinet layout), but they also have stuff that looks brand new and stuff that is literally brand-new, in-the-box-with-wrapping still on.

[livinitup]

I'd counter offer at $400 and pay $500. It should be MORE than worth your while to give them any money for it. You're likely saving them the headache of getting rid of it or getting nothing for it.

[emoflamingo]

It's normal to not leave the fridge and washer/dryer here, but you can negotiate. We asked to keep the fridge (but not the washer/dryer because ours is nicer).

[kaylie]

Read reviews before you buy anything and check out some local businesses - a lot of times they offer better customer service and price match. I've heard some bad stuff about Sears outlet centers. If you're in the Philadelphia area I highly recommend Gerhard's.

[urbancowgirl]

That's the thing- according to their agent, they would prefer to take it with them. So if they want it, they can have it!

[Susie]

Dec 27, 2012 12:00:58 GMT -5 peach said:

For 1200 bucks you can buy a decent brand new one. maybe not a snazzy kitchenaid, but it would be brand new:)

That's true, but you'd be hard pressed to find a decent counter depth fridge for $1200. Counter depth is a lot more expensive than standard depth. We paid $1600 for a scratch & dent counter depth KA fridge.

If counter depth is really what works for that kitchen and is what you want, I'd consider it. The only thing that would hold me back is that I am not a side by side fridge fan. I'd want french door. So I'm not sure I'd pay $1200 for SBS.

[pamela]

I don't know where you people think you're getting a new counter depth fridge for $1200.

If you like the look of counter depth and the size works for you, I'd counter with $800-900.

[alf17]

This

("I don't know where you people think you're getting a new counter depth fridge for $1200.")

I have been looking and they seem to run about $2500.

[urbancowgirl]

I don't expect to get a new counter depth fridge for $1200. Best Buy has a few options in the $1500 to $1800 range. After thinking it over, I'd rather spend a little more for a brand new one.

[RoxMonster]

I would probably counter lower than 1200. Maybe 800? The worst they can do is say no, but I would try to negotiate.

[mollybrown]

Our counter depth french drawer Kitchenaid fridge was about $1800. I definitely wouldn't pay $1200 for a used one. I agree that you should be able to negotiate the price down. If not, I'd buy new.

[polarbearfans]

Buy new. You can also negotiate prices at the store... Never pay sticker price