Buying second-hand Sub-Zero - what should I know?

6 years ago

A local family (that I don't know personally) is renovating a house they just purchased and is selling two Sub-Zero refrigerators that were in the kitchen when they bought the house. Both units are the 30" bottom freezer (BI-30U/S) models, and both are from 2009 (so 11 years old). They appear to be in great shape and they have been using them until now, but as this family is not the first owner of the house/fridges, they don't have a detailed repair history on the units or the condition of the mechanicals.

The price for both is ridiculously cheap - $2500 for both units. This is approximately the amount that I was planning to spend on a counter depth Fisher & Paykel, so it feels hard to pass up the opportunity to get two Sub-Zero refrigerators instead. I will need to pay movers to pick up and deliver them, which is not an insubstantial cost, but would still come out to a great deal.

- Is it a mistake to buy an 11 year old Sub-Zero fridge?

- Are there good years and bad years for Sub-Zero fridges? With no repair history, and I making a big gamble?

- Buying from a person means no warranty - Is it better to get the F&P because it comes with a 5 year warranty?

- What are typical repair costs for these units if I have to pay out of pocket?

What other things should I be factoring in to this decision?

Should I buy them?

Featured Answer

dan1888

6 years ago

Good frigs are not the norm in the marketplace. Sub Zero is one of the only highly reliable long-lasting choices. You'll need 60" to do the install of both in one location. If you can fit them in your plan I'd negotiate to $2k and go forward. They are current models with plenty of part availability into the future.

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Comments (10)

delray33483
6 years ago
I don't know if I would do this. 11 year old anything makes me nervous. They are probably hoping for someone like you to buy it because they determined the cost of disposing it is very high

what happens when you design around the SZ and then it conks out and is not economic to repair? Refrigs are not easy or cheap to repair - it just isn't swapping out parts.

I don't know if the new SZ is the same size as the old ones so if you replaced downline what cabinet mods are required?

you have to move it, which is no small feat with something that size.
millworkman
6 years ago
Offer them $500 for both and see what they say. It needs to be a much better deal than that to make the chance worthwhile in my opinion. Hell, by the time they get moved they may not work.
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jslazart
6 years ago
I bought my first subzero used from a guy who had been using it as a beer fridge in his unconditioned garage (in Tucson.. so.. hot). $100. It was about 15 years old at the time and I spent another 8 years with it before I moved. No issues whatsoever. Loved it. Bought a second used one (601 model) two years ago. Still working beautifully (knock on wood).

Sorry I don't have any stats on if there are years or models to avoid. Just my anecdotes.
Brooklyn thanked jslazart
Brooklyn
Original Author
6 years ago
Minor update: The sellers agreed to $2000 for both refrigerators so we're going to move ahead with the deal!

Is there anything I need to know about how to install and set everything up or is it basically, plug it in and you're good to go?
scrappy25
6 years ago
If you have the serial number SZ will give you the repair history. Sounds like a great deal. Icemaker will beed to be installed and whatever you need to do to make it look built it.
eam44
6 years ago
My SZ plugs in at the top, so I had an electrician come and move an outlet. What a great deal. Agree with CV, have your local SZ repair people move them and set them up, and also give a full service.
Joseph Engelstein
2 years ago
Hi Brooklyn,

Found this thread. Am also considering buying used Sub Zero fridge. How has your experience been so far?
Emily Au
last year
2nd Joseph’s comment! We are in similar boat and wondering how your experience is going!
kaseki
last year
Also, upon receipt or installation, examine the heat exchanger coils and its fan. You may need to vacuum out (or blow out) any collection of dust and fuzz. Check the fan for ease of rotation and replace if undue resistance is observed.