There are definitely times when buying a brand new stairlift makes more sense, as opposed to purchasing a reconditioned/pre-used stairlift. Our reconditioned stairlifts are very popular with our customers for a number of reasons. The main reasons to buy a reconditioned stairlift are cost and speed. Reconditioned stairlifts are considerably less expensive than their brand new counterparts. That’s often why they are so popular. You can shave up to 40% off the cost of a stairlift by getting a used/refurbished model.
A reconditioned stairlift is often in stock, and is also much faster to install, too. But despite the many why reconditioned stairlifts are the best choice, there’s definitely some circumstances when buying a new stairlift is better.
When To Buy A Stairlift New – An Outdoor Stairlift
Outdoor stairlifts have usually taken some flack. If an outdoor stairlift has been used in a coastal area, for example, it’s more likely to be corroded or damaged by the salt air. Even in normal circumstances, an outdoor stairlift can absorb damp if in the shade, or become sun damaged.
Outdoor stairlifts do have weatherproof covers and are designed to withstand outdoor temperatures and seasons. But still, over time an outdoor stairlift will have a shorter lifespan than than an indoor one will. So it’s not a good idea to get a reconditioned outdoor stairlift, unless you are familiar with its history.
At UK Stairlifts we provide outdoor stairlifts but only brand new models for this reason.
When To Buy A Brand New Stairlift – Heavy Duty
A heavy duty stairlift is another type of stairlift which should only be installed if it’s brand new, and for similar reasons. Heavy duty stairlifts take a larger load and with a second hand one, you don’t know the rigours it has been put through.
It may have been put through undue stress over the course of its life. You’ve no idea how many times it has been used or what load it has carried. A heavy duty stairlift is designed to carry a heavier and larger user. However, this can mean it receives more stress than a standard stairlift depending on body shape and centre of gravity of the user.
As such we always use brand new stairlifts when it comes to heavy duty bariatric stairlift installations.
When To Buy A New Stairlift – Customisation & Latest Technology
Buying a brand new stairlift gives you more options for customisation than a reconditioned one. With a reconditioned model, you have generally got less choice over the colour scheme, optional extras such as power footplate and power swivel. So, if a particular optional extra is important to you, or you want the stairlift to match your furnishings, it might be worth going for a brand new one.
For example, the Thyssen Flow X stairlift comes with a few optional extras which might not be available on a reconditioned model including a wide array of upholstery colours and the choice of fabric, vinyl or leather seat covers to match the style of your home and décor. Choose between fully automatic folding seat, automatic folding footrest or standard manual folding version. An optional extra on a Flow X is also the patented ASL technology which is important on certain stairs according to the available size and space.
When To Buy A Brand New Stairlift – Extended Lifespan & Warranty
Brand new stairlifts often come with an extended and more comprehensive warranty than second hand/pre-used stairlifts.
(We offer a full 2 year warranty on all our reconditioned stairlifts, which is often what makes them so popular. This covers you for parts, labour and call outs which gives you peace of mind knowing you’re covered.)
A standard warranty on a brand new stairlift can be 12 months, 24 or 36 months depending on the manufacturer. You can also choose an extended warranty to give you a longer period if you stipulate. Ask us about our stairlift extended warranty if this is an important factor for you.
Buying new also can give you more confidence in your stairlift. You know it doesn’t have any miles “on the clock”. You’re fully covered should anything go wrong – direct to the manufacturer. So if the cost of a new stairlift is less of an issue, it can give you greater assurance.
Generally too, a brand new stairlift should last longer than a reconditioned one, depending on the make and model.
(We use only the best makes and models for our reconditioned stairlifts for this reason – a better build quality and higher spec. machine will often last longer than a lower quality one, even when purchased brand new!)
When To Buy A Brand New Stairlift – Personal Preference
Many people choose a reconditioned stairlift simply because it’s less expensive. Or, they purchase a reconditioned stairlift because they need a stairlift in a hurry, and buying brand new would be a much slower process. We have often had this scenario where someone is coming out of hospital, and needs a stairlift installation urgently.
But if you’re not in a rush, and a brand new stairlift would give you peace of mind, it might be the right choice for you. For some it’s a personal preference to buy a product brand new. It means you know the history of the equipment and have a manufacturers warranty, should anything go wrong.
Summary – Why Buy New?
New stairlifts can give you more choice for customisation, the latest technology or just that extra peace of mind you’re looking for, in terms of warranty and age. If you’re buying a heavy weight, or an outdoor stairlift we only deal with brand new machines because their life span is more likely to be affected from wear and tear.
Still, our reconditioned stairlifts are hugely popular. This is often because they much cheaper and also they can be fitted more quickly. They also come with a full, 2 year warranty, giving you complete peace of mind.
A brand new stairlift will usually take longer to manufacture and so the process is slower. But if that’s not an issue for you, there’s lots of reasons to buy new. Here’s a quick recap of reasons to buy a brand new stairlift:
- You’re buying an outdoor stairlift or a heavy duty stairlift
- You want greater specifications – such as a specific colour or feature
- You need a special stairlift for a narrow staircase – such as the Flow X with ASL technology – (available as reconditioned depending on available stock)
- Added peace of mind with extended warranty from the manufacturer
- You’re simply more comfortable buying a brand new product than a pre-used one