How to Buy a Used Washer & Dryer on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp

TL;DR Buying Checklist

• Know your hookups: electric (240V 4-prong or 3-prong?) or gas, vent location, and space.
  

• Get the brand + model number and look up age/features.
  

• See it run: washer fills, agitates/spins quietly; dryer tumbles and heats in 2–3 minutes.
  

• Check bearings, leaks, odors, rust, excessive vibration, and dryer lint build-up.
  

• Confirm cords, hoses, and vent are included—or plan to bring new ones.
  

• Transport upright (front-loaders: use transit bolts or secure the drum).
  

• Pay safely. Avoid deposits and too-good-to-be-true flips.
  
  

Confirm What Fits Your Home (Before You Browse)

Measure twice, message once. Note:

• Space: Most full-size units are ~27" W each; add clearance for doors, hoses, vent (plan ~30" per unit).
  

• Doorways & stairs: Tight turns? Measure them.
  

• Fuel & power:
  

• Washer: standard 120V outlet & hot/cold water + drain.
  

• Dryer (electric): 240V outlet—NEMA 14-30 (4-prong) or 10-30 (3-prong).
  

• Dryer (gas): 120V outlet + gas line + vent.
  

• Venting: Standard 4" exhaust. Prefer rigid/semi-rigid metal ducting.
  

• Form factor: Side-by-side vs stackable (you’ll need a stacking kit designed for that model).
  
  

Pro tip: Snap a photo of your outlets and laundry closet. Send it to sellers so there’s no confusion on cord type or clearances.

 

Find Good Listings Fast

Platforms to check: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, Nextdoor, and local refurbishers.

Search hacks

• Use combinations like: washer dryer set, front load, stackable, gas dryer, LG HE, Speed Queen, Maytag Commercial.
  

• Expand radius mid-week; weekend deals move faster.
  

• Filter out “parts only” and “broken.”
  

• Favor listings with: clean, well-lit photos, model tags visible, and a tidy laundry area (signals care).
  
  

Screen Listings Like a Pro (Red Flags vs Green Flags)

Green flags

• Specific brand + model, year, and reason for sale (e.g., moving, remodeling).
  

• Photos of drum, seal, detergent drawer, lint screen, back panel, cords.
  

• Seller offers a live test and is flexible on timing.
  
  

Red flags

• Phrases like “probably needs a belt/board/thermal fuse” (cheap words, expensive fix).
  

• Heavy rust, moldy door boot (front-load), oil under machine, or missing panels.
  

• Flip shops that can’t run a cycle or refuse serial/model info.
  

• Zero willingness to let you test.
  
  

Copy-Paste Message Templates

First message (fast + friendly)

Hi! Is this still available? Could I get the model number and a quick video of it running (washer spin; dryer heating)? Also, what’s included—cords/hoses/vent? Thanks!

Pre-visit confirmation

Thanks! Before I drive over: can we run a rinse + spin on the washer and put the dryer on timed dry for a few minutes so I can check for heat and noise? I’ll bring straps and can load myself.

Negotiation nudge

Looks great in person. Given the age and that I’ll bring my own hoses/vent, could you do $X cash today?

 

What to Inspect (Washer)

• Run water in: Look for steady fill (no error codes), no leaks at hoses or valve.
  

• Agitate/Spin: Should be quiet, steady, no grinding. Mild vibration is okay; walking is not.
  

• Front-load specific:
  

• Compress the drum rim; excessive wobble or metal scraping hints bad bearings/spider corrosion.
  

• Inspect door boot for black mold, tears, coins.
  

• Top-load specific:
  

• Confirm agitator engages both directions.
  

• Lid lock should click and hold during spin.
  

• Drain: Should evacuate quickly without gurgling overflow.
  

• Smell: Musty = biofilm. It can be cleaned, but negotiate the price.
  
  

What to Inspect (Dryer)

• Heat fast: You should feel warm exhaust air within 2–3 minutes on timed dry/high heat.
  

• Listen: Squeals/chirps (idler pulley/rollers), thumps (flat roller/belt), scraping (drum glide).
  

• Drum & door: Smooth rotation, intact felt seals. Door switch should pause the drum.
  

• Lint: Clean screen and inside the housing (peek if possible). Heavy lint = fire risk and poor care.
  

• Vent path: Ask when the exterior vent was last cleaned.
  
  

Confirm the Included Parts (or Bring Your Own)

Most sellers don’t include these—or you’ll want fresh ones anyway:

• Washer hoses (prefer stainless braided) + rubber washers.
  

• Drain hose hook and zip-ties.
  

• Dryer cord (match your outlet: 3-prong or 4-prong).
  

• Dryer vent: semi-rigid metal + two clamps (no plastic or vinyl).
  

• Stacking kit (if stacking that exact model pair).
  
  

Safety note: If you need to change the dryer cord type, follow the manufacturer instructions (neutral/ground bonding differs between 3- and 4-prong). When in doubt, hire a pro.

 

Pay & Stay Safe

• Meet with a buddy, share location, and let someone know the address/time.
  

• No deposits for used appliances; pay on pickup after tests.
  

• Prefer cash or a P2P method you trust. Avoid gift cards/wire.
  

• Get a quick bill of sale (names, date, item, price, basic condition “as-is,” and serial numbers).
  
  

Move It Without Breaking It

• Front-load washers: Use transit bolts (cheap online by model). If unavailable, keep upright, secure tub with blankets, and avoid stairs jolts.
  

• Drain it: Run a drain/spin beforehand; tip the washer slightly to pour out remaining water from the pump filter (towel ready).
  

• Protect & strap: Blankets on all sides; strap low and high; don’t stack weight on the control panels.
  

• Truck bed: Keep upright. If you must tilt briefly, return upright and let sit before use.
  

• Dolly: Appliance dolly with straps saves your back and the machine.
  

Install & First Wash

• Level both units (front feet are adjustable) to prevent shake and bearing wear.
  

• New hoses & tight connections—hand-tight + slight wrench tweak; check for drips after the first cycle.
  

• Dryer vent: Use short, smooth runs; foil tape (not duct tape). Don’t use screws that snag lint.
  

• Test cycles:
  

• Washer: hot quick cycle, then a cleaning cycle with tub cleaner.
  

• Dryer: timed dry 10–15 minutes; ensure hot air outside.
  

• Maintenance rhythm: Leave washer door ajar, clean gasket & dispenser monthly, vacuum lint and behind units quarterly.
  
  

Pricing & Negotiation Basics

• Markets vary, but ballparks help:
  

• Electric dryer (single): $100–$300
  

• Washer (single): $150–$400
  

• Matched set: $350–$800+ depending on brand/age/condition
  

• Start 10–20% under asking (politely), then meet in the middle—especially if you’re providing the muscle, the straps, and hauling same-day.
  
  

FAQ (People Also Ask)

How old is too old?
Under 10 years with quiet bearings = great. Durable brands (Speed Queen, some older Whirlpool/Maytag/LG) can last much longer if cared for.

Gas or electric dryer?
Use what your home supports. Gas dries fast and can be cheaper to run; electric is simpler if you already have a 240V outlet.

Front-load or top-load?
Front-loaders clean efficiently and stack; top-loaders can be simpler to maintain and easier to move. Condition matters more than format.

What if I can’t test?
Assume higher risk, lower your offer or walk. At minimum, demand a cold-start video showing the machine starting and progressing through functions (not just “already running”).

 

Ready Pickup Kit

• Appliance dolly + straps
  

• Moving blankets
  

• Braided washer hoses, spare rubber washers
  

• Dryer cord (matching your outlet) + screwdriver/nut driver
  

• Semi-rigid dryer vent + 2 clamps + foil tape
  

• Work gloves, flashlight, paper towels
  

• Socket set for transit bolts / leveling feet
  

• Cash in small bills
  
  

Sample Listing Review (How You’d Analyze It)

“LG WM3700 + DLE3500 set, moving sale, $550, includes cords/hoses, can demo.”

• Matched HE set, modern models, demo offered
  

• Ask: manufacture year, any repairs, transit bolts available, stacking kit?
  

• Offer: “If everything runs clean and quiet, $500 cash today. I can pick up this afternoon.”
  
  

Optional: Verify Age & Recalls

• Use the model + serial to estimate age via brand lookups.
  

• Check government recall databases if you’re cautious. (If you want, I can compile a quick brand-by-brand age/serial cheat sheet.)
  
  

Final Word

A good used set saves hundreds. A clean test, quiet spin, proper heat, and clear venting tell you almost everything you need to know. Do the basics above and you’ll avoid 95% of lemons.