Would you buy a used trainer?

[melissam]

That would depend on what he had been used for . . .

Excellent response!

I don't know much about them and will learn more before I go to look at one (they seem to turn up on Craigslist fairly often).

Once I do that, is it possible to judge condition, reliability, etc. with common sense and visual observation?

Pam

Would it be feasible to bring your bike with you and set it up on the trainer? That way you can see if the trainer works and how easy it is to set up and tear down.

Other than that, I'd check for leaks coming from the fluid resistance unit (assuming it's that kind of trainer), any missing knobs/parts, any scratches. See how easy the rolling unit moves.