Buying second hand strollers and prams
Article by: AnnabelBuying second hand is a great way to get quality strollers and prams at a reasonable price. There are a range of circumstances which might prompt people to buy a second hand pram and I have outlined five of them below.
Five reasons you might want to buy second hand
1. Buying 'as new'
Just as with buying a car, buying a pram that has had only a small amount of use can mean a significant price reduction compared to buying new. There are many reasons why people sell prams that have hardly been used. Some people buy their dream pram, only to realise after only a few weeks use that something about it, such as fixed steering, or the need to take off wheels to fit it into their boot, forces them to sell quickly and look for something else. Others may have purchased a stroller for their toddler, only to find that the child wants to walk everywhere, and the stroller spends most of its time in the car. Others (like some of the members of this site!) may just love trying different things, and sell their gently used prams in order to buy something new.
2. Buying top quality at a reduced price
Good quality prams can last through several children, and I always say that you're far off buying a top quality pram that's had a couple of years of use, than paying out for a low quality pram new from the shop. Buying second hand may enable you to purchase a pram that would otherwise be too expensive. Many good quality prams will still look in great shape after a couple of years use, but even if a pram does have cosmetic flaws (such as scratches to the frame, or a small repair to the seat or handle grip), the pram is still likely to function better than cheap imports.
3. Buying a 'stop gap' pram
Just a quick flick through the Strollers and Prams forum should highlight the fact that for most people out there, there is no such thing as the perfect pram. When a baby is first born, it is lovely to have a pram with a bassinet and lovely springy suspension to walk around the neighbourhood. Once you start trying to take that lovely big pram to the shops however, you might find that it takes up nearly your entire boot, and a smaller stroller is far more convenient. Buying a second hand pram especially suited for a newborn baby means that you can save up to buy a top quality stroller which you will get many years of use out of as your baby grows.
4. Buying a second pram for a specific task
For people who like to walk with their baby I recommend a nice big pram with air tyres. For those who like to travel, a super compact lightweight stroller is more practical. Most people like to keep a stroller or pram in the car for trips to the shops, and neither the large walking pram, nor the tiny travel pram are particularly well suited for this job. Having more than one pram means you have the equipment you need to suit the task at hand, and buying at least one of these second hand means you can do so without breaking the bank.
5. Buying on a budget
I am constantly amazed at the wonderful prams I see sell on ebay for as little as $30. Having a small budget does not mean you have to settle for something that is poor quality. Finding the right pram at the right price can be a bit tricky, but if you see names such as Peg Perego, Inglesina, Bebecar or Emmaljunga, you're on the right track.
Things to look out for when buying second hand.
Frame
It is important that the frame has not become too loose as this can make steering and folding difficult. Some strollers have a small amount of give even when bought brand new, but generally speaking when the brakes are on and you pull on the handle the frame shouldn't move a great deal. Try folding the pram and if it is supposed to lock closed make sure the latches meet so that it locks without having to manually line them up.
Wheels
Small rubber stroller wheels are particularly susceptible to wear, and the rear wheels take the brunt of the use. If tyres have a tread, check how worn it is. With smaller wheels, check for 'square wheels' (see the photo below). New wheels can sometimes be bought from a manufacturer, but they can be expensive, so you should check out prices before buying a pram/stroller that needs new wheels.
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Sunfade
Sunfade occurs when the fabric on a pram or stroller has faded due to sun exposure. While it does not affect the functioning of the stroller, it does affect its appearance, and can also affect future resale value. Short of redying the fabric, it is not something you can fix, so if it is something that might bother you it is important to avoid prams with sunfade to begin with. Models that seem particularly susceptible to sunfade are Mountain Buggy and Emmaljunga, and black and navy colourways show the fade worst. If you are buying online then it is a good idea to ask whether there is any sunfade as it is not always obvious in pictures.
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Rust
A small amount of surface rust will not affect the functioning of a good quality pram. It will affect its appearance, and again could affect resale value, but for the right model at the right price I would not be put off by a small amount of rust. If you do buy a pram with rust, it's a good idea to try to get rid of it to stop it getting any worse. Chrome frames can be rubbed down with fine sandpaper or steel wool.
Correct Model
If you are not buying from a store, make sure that you know which model you are buying. Some older models may have a smaller basket, or a non-adjustable handle, or a slightly different fold mechanism compared to current models. This isn't a problem in itself, but it can be if you think you're getting something that you're not. Be especially cautious if you want to add accessories to the pram such as a toddler seat or bassinet, as attachment points can change over time.
Replacement parts
Replacement parts can often be bought for prams and strollers that are still in production. This means that you may be able to replace any parts that are worn or broken. Be warned, however, that these parts can sometimes be very expensive, and the cost of an old pram plus new seat can work out to be only a little less than what a new pram sells for.
Where to buy
Online auction sites such as ebay enable you to search the country (and the world!) for prams without leaving your computer. Most listings have photos which mean you can get an idea of the pram's condition without having to make an appointment to view it. If you are spending a large amount of money, however, I would highly recommend going to view a pram before bidding on it, as in my experience they often look better in the photos than in real life. Prices on ebay can vary quite a lot, so it's worth starting your search early and holding out for a bargain. Highly sought after prams can still sell for prices not far from their original retail, so make sure you know the cheapest price you can buy a pram new for, and don't get carried away with the bidding!Classifieds and online resources such as Craig's List are another place to look, but in our local classifieds I find prices are often inflated. Better bargains can be found at garage sales and opportunity shops, but of course this requires a lot more leg work and a bit of luck. The other place to look is consignment stores, but check ebay to see what similar models are going for before you buy.