I replied in the 'Exercise' thread; didn't know if you saw it. I had a proform for about 15 yrs. The incline broke on it (got flooded) but the machine worked fine. It was very loud, however. Even w/an ipod the machine sound poked through and was loud in the room above too. It finally burnt out - some plastic part on the roller snapped - so I replaced it. Do your homework before buying, no matter what you buy. Research! I had a mindset of about $500-$700 but after reading many reviews, upped my budget and bought a Smooth Fitness 5.25 TM for about $1000 (this included a $50 in home delivery fee, which I highly recommend. The guy bought it in and put it down the basement. Hubby assembled the handle bars and stuff; most of its done in factory). Its
very well built, has a a lifetime warranty on frame and motor and was rated a top 10 budget treadmill at about.com. Check out reviews on
everything you're considering b/4 you buy. I just checked Smooth Fitness website - the 5.25 is on sale (it says until Monday but I didn't see a date) for $900.
I initially walked but improved and now do intervals on it. It's very quiet and seems pretty well built. I like the warranties. Some only give you 90 days or maybe a year. If their warranty is that short then it tells me that it's not built to last. If they're offering a lifetime warranty on frame and motor (or a 20 or 30 yr warranty) -- it tells me that it will be around for awhile. This TM is smoother and more comfortable to run on. Better cushioning; better built; better warranty. Just my 2 cents.