skip to main content

Appliances Kitchens

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

3 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

3 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.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

delray33483
3 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
3 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.
Related Discussions
To Sub-Zero or not to Sub-Zero, that is the question...
Q
Comments (22)
I could certainly be wrong but from the sound of your post you sound like someone who has "aspired" to have a SubZero fridge not necessarily for a functional reason but to have the brand. It sounds as if you're going all out - two Miele dishwashers, etc. - so why not just go for the SZ? If you think about all the people who have been keeping their food chilled without investing in SZ, there has to be something people "value" about SZ other than it's functional ability to keep food chilled or frozen that would make them pay the premimum price. Could be appearance, appeal of saying you have the brand, etc. In any case if you want one and want to spend the $ go for it. It seems you can count on repairs with any brand these days - kind of like luxury auto brands. Just because you spend alot doesn't mean it will be trouble free.
...See More
why I would buy sub-zero/wolf again (not that I will need to for
Q
Comments (5)
wow, that is so good to hear!! i was having a problem with the probe in my single wolf oven, called about 4:30 on monday and had a new one by wednesday. Awesome! and whats also nice is that when you call and give your name, they have all your info and seriel # of appl. so you don't have to repeat everything and dig out all your literature. maybe other companies do this also, but this as my first call for a problem. agree, that is great customer service!!!! so happy for your "surprise", that's fabulous!!!!
...See More
wife just vetoed buying a sub zero 42' refrigerator-now what
Q
Comments (19)
lasca - I didn't take it any way, makepar as much said it: "vetoed 7k purchase / which 42" side by side refrigerators should i evaluate / am seeking mid level to upper mid level on price point. " I don't think a pair of Freedoms fall into the mid price catagory even if his DW is tickled pink with them. We might also infer that space is an issue from the OP and 48" might not be possible. You should also take makepar at his word because he SPECIFICALY asked about 42" fridges. So.............1. there are still not many on the market, and 2. they don't fall into the mid price catagory. Of course there are a myriad of options on he market that might appeal to he and his wife if 42" and $$$ are not critical, but that's not what he asked.
...See More
Should I splurge on the Sub Zero 611?
Q
Comments (11)
Well, to be fair, my folks' first SZ (mid-1960's) only lasted about 20 years and required several service calls, plus my father fixed small things a couple times. I don't know how that stacks up to other fridges from that era. The current version is over 20 years old and still going strong, though I think it has been serviced at least once. My Kenmore is 21 years old, has moved 3 times and has never needed service--except the light quit working more than 10 years ago but isn't worth fixing. On the other hand, the crispers are a joke, stuff against the back wall freezes, as does the water and OJ on the top shelf. It's hard to clean, and spills drop through the wire racks. It's not bad for what it is, but I'm tired of planning around what the fridge will and won't do and look forward to getting an SZ, even knowing that it might need to be repaired sometime in the next 15 years. It's like a fancy new car vs. a reliable beater. It might be more expensive, more persnickety, need more repair, but it's also a lot nicer to have around, and works a lot better when it's in proper working order.
...See More
jslazart
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 months ago
Hi Brooklyn,

Found this thread. Am also considering buying used Sub Zero fridge. How has your experience been so far?

Related Stories

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

PETS What You Need to Know Before Buying Chicks

Ordering chicks for your backyard coop? Easy. But caring for them requires planning and foresight. Here's what to do

GREEN BUILDING Zero Net Energy: A Hardworking-House Term to Know

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Homes that consume only as much energy as they produce by renewable means are a goal for builders. Learn what ZNE means for you

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

LIFE 5 Must-Know Decorating Tips for People With Young Kids

By Mitchell Parker

Let’s face it: Kids can wreak havoc in the house. Take this advice to save yourself the headaches until they are grown

WORKING WITH PROS Construction Contracts: How to Understand What You Are Buying

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn how plans, scope of work and specifications define the work to be completed

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Know if an Open Bathroom Vanity Is for You

By Becky Harris

Ask yourself these questions to learn whether you’d be happy with a vanity that has open shelves

HOME TECH Are the Latest High-Definition TVs for You? Here’s What to Know

By Media Rooms Inc

See what’s new with 4K ultra HD televisions and projectors, and find out what they will cost you

KITCHEN MAKEOVERS Hand-Painted Tile Inspires a Long-Awaited Kitchen Remodel

By Becky Harris

Houzz stories provide a Massachusetts couple with inspiration and lead them to designers who transform their kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN A Cook’s 6 Tips for Buying Kitchen Appliances

By Christine Tusher

An avid home chef answers tricky questions about choosing the right oven, stovetop, vent hood and more

Sponsored

More Discussions

looking for 15" built-in wine cooler recommendation

14

Bosch Benchmark Wall Oven not baking center of cakes

15

Downsize the fridge?!

29

Conventional or Convection Oven?

13

Stove exhaust vent moving and closing an old one

12