Robot vacuums are a blessing. If you haven't experienced the joy of having a robotic-cleaner do your chores for you, you haven't lived. (yea, I'm a little obsessed with my robot vacuum, so what?)
If you're looking for a used Roomba, it's most likely because you want to save a few dollars but still get a great robot vacuum.
I'd caution you against this though.
If you're hell bent on buying a Roomba used, read this first. If you're not convinced at the end of this article, at least purchase a used Roomba from a reliable source. We suggest Amazon Warehouse. Avoid places like cragistlist, where the condition of the vacuum can be misconstrued.
By using Amazon, the condition of the vacuum is disclosed clearly, and you get the quality, trustworthy experience Amazon is associated with.
Buying cleaning equipment second-hand in order to save some money could end up costing you more in the long run. There are so many great Roomba alternatives on the market that your money is much better spent buying a new "off-brand" Roomba than it is buying a beat-up used Roomba.
If want a great vacuum, check out the Neato Botvac. It's expensive, but SO worth it. The technology in this robot is FAR beyond what anything Roomba has put out. Not kidding when I say this vacuum will map your floor, and allow you to set boundaries within the app. You can also do zone cleaning on a schedule. This is super useful for keeping high traffic areas, like around your front door clean without your vacuum having to clean the whole house.
Here Are 5 Key Reasons I Would Never Buy a Used Roomba
You Miss Out On a Warranty
Even the best-intentioned second-hand Roomba sellers can't predict the future. Even buying used, you're likely going to spend at least $100 on your robot vacuum.
This isn't a ton of money, but it isn't negligible. Just because the Roomba turns on doesn't mean that its sensors are still good, that all of its internal mechanisms still work, or that the battery is viable.
Buying used means you don't get the security of a warranty, which most new robot vacuums have.
Battery Life Deterioration
The average Roomba battery lasts for 400 charges. If you clean your home 3 times a week, that's roughly 150/charges per year. If you buy a 2year old Roomba, you can assume it is already 3/4 of the way through its battery life, and it will last you less than 1 year after your purchase date.
If you opt to buy an even older model, the chances of the battery quitting on you right after you buy it increases.
You Don't Know The History of The Machine
As with buying anything used, you're taking a risk. When you buy a second-hand Roomba, you don't know how many times it has been dropped, how many times it has ran over dog poop, among other things.
Especially when you buy something used online, it is hard to truly tell if the seller is being upfront with you about the history of the machine.
Vacuums Lose Suction Over Time
Even if the Roomba was well maintained, nobody is perfect. It's a known fact that all vacuums lose their suction power over time. If you buy a 2 or 3 year old Roomba, you're likely buying a product that is functioning at a fraction of its capability when new.
Missing Accessories
Most of the time when you buy something used, you miss out on a lot of the accessories that came with the original machine. In the case of the Roomba, common accessories include replacement brushes, virtual walls, and extra sweepers.
When buying something used, you almost guarantee you're not getting the full package.
Is It Worth It?
Now, if you get an excellent deal on a used Roomba, we aren't going to tell you not to jump on it. However, it is worth it to weigh the benefits and the drawbacks of buying a used Roomba. Sometimes, you may save money and get a better product by buying a newer model by another brand.