Used vs New Washer and Dryer: Is Buying Used Worth It?

A new washer and dryer set from a big box store will run you anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500 for a mid-range pair. A quality used set? $450 to $750. That's a savings of $500 to $1,500 — enough to cover a month's rent in Austin.

But is buying used actually a smart move, or are you just buying someone else's problems? Let's break it down honestly.

The Real Cost Comparison

Here's what the numbers look like for a typical washer and dryer purchase in Austin:

New (big box store): Mid-range set: $1,400 - $2,000. Delivery: $0 - $79. Installation: $0 - $159. Haul-away of old unit: $25 - $50. Total: $1,400 - $2,288.

Used (from a reputable dealer like Longhorn): Cleaned and tested set: $450 - $750. Delivery: Free within 20 miles of Hutto (same-day when you order before 8:30 AM). Professional installation: $150, electric only. Haul-away of old unit: $50 per machine. Total: $650 - $1,000.

That's 50-70% less for a machine that does the exact same job. The savings are even bigger when you factor in that new appliances depreciate approximately 50% the moment you plug them in — just like driving a new car off the lot.

When Buying Used Makes Total Sense

You're a renter. Why invest $2,000 in appliances for a place you might leave in a year? A $500 used set gives you the convenience of in-unit laundry without the financial commitment.

You're a property manager or landlord. If you manage rental properties in Austin, used appliances make overwhelming financial sense. A $550 set that lasts 3-5 years costs far less per year than a $2,000 new set that might last 8-10 years. We work with property managers across the Austin area — ask us about bulk pricing.

You're moving to Austin. Whether you're relocating for work or starting at UT Austin, buying used appliances lets you get settled quickly without blowing your moving budget. We offer same-day delivery so you can do laundry the day you move in.

You're budget-conscious. There's nothing wrong with being smart with money. A $600 used Whirlpool set washes clothes just as well as a $1,800 new one with WiFi connectivity and a touchscreen (features you'll probably never use anyway).

Your current set just died. When your washer breaks at 9 PM on a Sunday, you don't want to wait 2-3 weeks for a new appliance to be delivered. We can have a replacement at your door the next day.

When New Might Be Better

To be fair, there are situations where buying new makes more sense:

You want a specific feature set. If you absolutely need a steam cycle, smart home integration, or a specific capacity, the used market may not have exactly what you're looking for on any given day.

You plan to stay in your home 10+ years. If you're in your forever home, the longer guarantee and newer technology of a brand-new set might justify the premium.

You want a matching set in a specific color. Used sets come in whatever color they come in. If you need slate gray to match your kitchen, buying new gives you that control.

What to Look for When Buying Used

If you're buying used (smart move), here's what matters:

Buy from a dealer, not Craigslist. Individual sellers can't test machines the way a dedicated shop can. We run every unit through a full wash and dry cycle, check all connections, inspect seals and hoses, and clean everything inside and out. A random seller on Facebook Marketplace? You're rolling the dice.

Ask about the guarantee. Any reputable used appliance dealer should offer a written guarantee. We offer a repair-only guarantee on every set — a full year on top-load washers, all dryers, and top-load sets, and 60 days on any front-load washer or any set that includes one, free with our $150 professional install — and we stand behind it: if something goes wrong, we repair it.

Check the brand. Some brands age better than others. Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore tend to be the most reliable used machines. Samsung and LG can be great deals but require more careful inspection.

Ask about delivery and installation. Getting a washer and dryer from point A to point B is not a one-person job. A good dealer offers delivery and professional installation. We deliver free within 20 miles of our Hutto shop, including Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, and Taylor (paid zones apply beyond 20 miles) — and professional install is available for $150, electric only.

The Environmental Angle

Here's something people don't talk about enough: buying used appliances is one of the most impactful environmental choices you can make. Manufacturing a new washer requires mining raw materials, running factory equipment, and shipping the unit across the country. Buying used extends the life of an existing machine and keeps it out of the landfill.

Every used set we sell is a machine that didn't get scrapped. Over the past year, we've kept over 1,000 units out of landfills while providing affordable appliances to Austin families.

Our Take

We're obviously biased — we sell used washers and dryers. But we started this business because we genuinely believe most people are overpaying for appliances they don't need to buy new. A well-inspected, cleaned, and tested used set from a reputable dealer gives you 90% of the performance at 40% of the cost.

Ready to see what's available? Browse our current inventory or contact us to tell us what you're looking for. We offer same-day delivery (order before 8:30 AM) within 20 miles of our Hutto shop.