Refrigerator about to go out - better to buy new one from Best Buy or find a used one on craigslist? personalfinance

Hello,

So as the title says my refrigerator is about to go out. It's making loud, angry noises and has even started moving of it's own accord (my refrigerator's running... okay, sorry.)

I don't have very much money, and am not sure how long I will remain at this apartment. The refridherator was left by the previous tenant, so it was a nice bonus but not the responsibility of my landlord.

Here is my issue: I have this huge coin jar that I can cash in, and coinstar doesn't charge for counting if you take your payout in a gift certificate - one is for Best Buy. I think it will cover a refrigerator. Obviously I was hoping to use this somewhere else, but what can you do, I didn't know this would be going out.

So -

New Refrigerator from Best Buy $399 + 14.99 + tax

Pros:

1. I own it

2. It'll be newer so more energy efficient (I think?)

3. They will deliver the fridge, and then take the old one away for a nominal fee.

4. I can be guaranteed it won't break down tomorrow.

Cons:

1. I will own it (no idea what situation I'll be in when I move - what if I can't take it?)

2. It's a lot of money.

Craigslist fridge - $60-175 (for the thing itself) + $60-100 for delivery

Pros:

1. Inexpensive

2. A lot to choose from

Cons:

1. Unsure of condition

2. Probably have to pay more to haul away old one

3. Unsure of competency or professionalism of delivery guys (Could tilt it/otherwise mess it up)

If anyone could give me some advice I would really appreciate it. I go back and forth and I really don't know what to do.

Submitted December 05, 2017 at 06:16AM by SurelyMclaine http://ift.tt/2AOQRos personalfinance