Buying a lawnmower off CL

PrincessPeach13

It's reasonable to ask them to start it and run it over a patch of grass to make sure it works, right?

I've never bought anything like this secondhand before, and I want to make sure it's not weird of me to ask that.

 

Anything else I should be aware of when looking at a used mower? 

katlizabeth

I think that's totally reasonable.  I've bought a used lawn mower before, but I knew nothing...so I just had them start it, mow a patch, and we loaded it up.  Actually, I still know nothing about lawn mowers, and we've lived in our house almost six years.  Maybe it's time I learned?

MidwestGidget

Does the listing say what kind of mower it is? You might be able to research the model online and know what kinds of features it has or if there are common complaints about it, which might help you generate some questions to ask or have them demonstrate for you.

We sold our couch on CL-the buyers came over and sat on the different cushions for about 10 minutes and pored over the fabric to make sure there weren't tears, tried all the zippers, etc. I didn't bat an eye. CL is buyer beware, so I'd rather be weird about these things than get a lemon.

izzourclue

Very reasonable I'd say.  I'd look underneath it and see if the blades are bent or chipped badly.  Ask if the oil and the air filters have been changed recently, if not it's easy but you could use that to negotiate.  I'd also check out a Lowes or whatever you have to see how much a new one with similar features would cost so you don't over-pay for the used one.  Basic push mowers aren't really that expensive so if they're asking with in $20 of the price of a new one, get the new one.  You didn't state if it's a push or riding so my advice is based on the push mower.  I've never owned a riding mower but I'm sure there's other stuff to look at with those.