This is my second time writing a review about the Xterra TRX4500, lets see if Amazon will publish this one. I am on the verge of returning it, though I don't know how, as it is SO HONKING HEAVY! Did I mention it is HEAVY? Please don't underestimate this statement. Amazon did deliver it on time, unfortunately they sent a rather large man along with a very petite woman to move this monstrous thing, so I had to help. LSS, I was knocked over when the delivery man pushed on it and didn't give me a heads up. This was all to just DRAG this huge thing across my doorway. Later, my wife and I broke it down piece by piece to move it to the other section of the house, then placed the main part on towels so that we could drag it to its final resting spot. Assembly is quite easy, but i do recommend two people because trying to hold the console, connect the wires, and put on the bolts is just to much for one set of hands.After assembling it, I noticed that the left rear plastic cover was damaged. Actually, it was smashed all the way in and crushed. I took pictures and had to pry it out in pieces. Although it looks like it is superficial, I still suspect that this might have bent the rear axle just a fraction, but not sure as of yet. Why am I not sure? Because I am going on two weeks now waiting on a technician to come to my house and work on it. Next was the console. I then noticed that the consoles bezel was scratched up and when I tested the speakers, they didn't work. I also noticed that the belt was to far to the left and at an angle. Not good.Customer support seems to be very nice. I immediately contacted them about the damaged piece and they did ship me a replacement, took about a week. Then when I noticed the scratches on the console and the speakers not working, I contacted them again, and they did order me a new console. This took about two weeks because of Thanksgiving. So that isn't the issue, as getting parts is quite easy and customer service is very polite.I watched numerous videos and read their FAQ's section in order to get the belt tracking correctly. No matter what I do (I am very mechanically inclined) the belt will not stay in the center and always drifts to the right. This is when I contacted them and they stated they would get a technician to our house to service it and make any adjustments needed. So far, this has not happened. But I was informed that if Xterra sent one of their people, it would be a one way 700 mile trip, therefore, they would be sending a contractor to do the job. Nice to know, don't care as I still have not seen anyone.As for the unit, it is sturdy, but it is not level. It will never be level, as I was informed via email by someone one of higher up status that this was the way it is designed. Really? So just know that you will ALWAYS be walking or running at a incline, no matter what you do. That is not good. Even as heavy as it is, if you have it on a smooth floor, it will slide around. We placed it on thick pads to prevent this and also damage to our flooring. The fan is a joke. I mean, why bother? Really. I can't comment about the speakers as mine doesn't work.I am adding this as I have been using the unit. I have had it just shy of a month, so not going to let it sit there and not get used. Does it work? Yes. Does it have issues? Yes. Did I pay a grand for something I use to have issues? Nope.Again, customer support is very nice. That's great. But I am getting close to the return window and I am debating this. Would I buy it again? Not even if it was on sale (which it is right now, $100 less then what I paid for it). I would highly advise you to pay a little more and go with a more well known brand.This is an update:Service Technician came, stomped his foot on it and said the belt was too lose. He tightened it and now it is arched a little in the middle. When I asked him why is it still off center in the front, he stated that it's ok as many are like this. BS. Sent pics and message to CS, haven't heard a word back. I did get the replacement console put on. The mounting holes were at an angle a bit, so it took some real effort to get the bolts in without stripping them. The speakers work, but just as others have said, they are really just noisy and that's it. The face of the console is glued down, and it was coming up in places. Again, I am dealing with it because I don't want to go thru this again.Once gain, I cannot recommend this product and I would not buy it again.Last Update:This is the second time I am placing this update here, because Amazon didn't like the first one I am guessing. I also lowered my rating to 1 star. Although this treadmill is sturdy, I will not be purchasing another Xterra product again. My sister did purchase the 3500, and theirs was not damaged, and I am very happy for this as she is much older then I am. Two technicians showed up to my house on time and were very polite. They also agreed that the back left portion of my treadmill had been 'pushed-in' and damaged, but they also said that they did not think it would cause any serious alignment issues with my treadmill. A few days after they left, the belt is now once again at an angle. As for it failing the calibration test every time, when they pulled the motor cover off, they discovered that the sensor had been knocked lose, and YES, on the LEFT side as well. They said it must have really taken a hit. Regardless, when they adjust it correctly, the treadmill passed the calibration test. These guys knew what they were doing. AS for the company, I sent them one final email. They never replied to my pictures of the damage, they never replied to what the technicians said, no apologies, not anything. They could care less...they got their money. I should have returned it (no matter the hassle) to Amazon, but I elected not to. Again, the product is very well made (though EXTREMELY OUTDATED) but the bad attitude correspondence and the general lack of caring or wanting the customer to be satisfied, NOPE. I DO NOT recommend this product. No now, not ever.7 Month Update: I have now had this treadmill for 7 months. I STILL would not buy it again and certainly not recommend it. It consistently makes loud, squeaking noises, and I have to lube all of the joints, pivot points, etc about once every 2 weeks to keep the loud 'squeaks' down. I have learned that garage door silicone spray seems to work the best. My belt is as crooked as ever, and if you are a runner, plan on adjust it weekly (loosens up). The other day we had a storm, so I unplugged it. The next morning I went to plug it in, and the plastic outer casing shattered! I was still able to use it, but I did not feel comfortable with the socket just dangling there. I contacted CS, and asked them how much. Surprisingly, no questions asked, they shipped me one for free ($25 on Ebay) and it was very simple to replace. However, it must have cleared the memory when I did (no clue as to why) because when I turned it on, it went to 15 degree incline and error'd out. Had me stumped for a while, until I finally did a calibration and let it run thru its test completely. This set it back to normal. CS came thru, but a brittle electrical plug? Again, I cannot recommend and I for one will not be buying any more of their products.Update to 7 month update: Right after I posted this, my daughter (14) was on the treadmill and started yelling for me. When she pressed the 3 speed button on the console, it shot up to speed 8! I was able to pull the safety key (she will not forget it again) and immediately slow it down to a stop. Seems that the 3 and 8 speed buttons on the console are now not working, or rather not working correctly. Keep in mind, I have never used the programmed selections on the machine. Just manual. If you press 8 it maintains the current set speed, nothing happens except.....it will auto incline to 2.5 degrees. What is that about? But you better beware the 3 button...press it if you want to go from impulse to warp in an instant! Anyways, the up and down arrows on the right control arm work fine...so we both know to press 2, then use the up and down speed arrows to get it into the 3 speed range. And again, when I turn the machine on, it says 1.5 incline and 6.5 speed, until I start manually, then it reverts back to 0 and 0. I have already submitted a ticket to their CS center and they are assisting me...I truly hope they come thru on it. Again, this is a major safety issue....with a $1k machine that is only 7 months old. You make the decision.Update to 7 month repair: CS at Xterra did ship parts to my house, after some emails with me explaining exactly what the issues were numerous times. This is where I also discovered that the down speed button on the actual console did not work either. CS was polite and courteous. Parts arrived in a about 5 days, and it took about a week (following Friday) for a technician from Assemblers INC (sent by spirit fitness) to show up to my house. This technician was the most knowledgeable, proficient, and courteous person I have had yet to show up to my house (this makes three now). He knew exactly what he was doing. Xterra sent me numerous parts, which he replaced in a timely manner all the while explaining to me what he was doing. Again, I am very technically proficient, but I can always learn. He told me that these are good, consumer grade machines. However, when I told him the history of my machine, he told me I should have demanded to receive a new one. He stated I should not be having this many issues with this machine, especially electronic ones. I then told him about the left side taking a hit and then he told me that was consistent with what he observed under the main running board. There are two brackets that keep the belt aligned, spaced, whatever. He showed me that they were bent, both of them. As I stated, he was able to repair everything EXCEPT the display of 1.5 incline and 6.5 speed when the machine first turns on. This is OK, as when you start it, it displays 0 and 0. He stated he didn't understand why it was doing that, but it shouldn't prevent me from using the machine properly. Again, my daughter could have been seriously hurt on this machine. I should have returned it before my 30 day return window with Amazon closed. I will not make that mistake again.10 Month Update: This thing continues to squeak incredibly bad. I have to oil it weakly now. IT is a good thing that I placed a mat under it to catch the oil dripping off. It isn't the sound of my feet hitting the deck in the mornings that wakes my family up...its the loud squeaking noises. My belt is still canted to the right, and always will be I guess. It is certainly showing wear, and not in a good way. I also think it is about time that I replace the belt on the motor and will probably have to look at replacing the main belt as well within the next 3 to 5 months. It is still bowed in the center a little. For some unknown reason, the BP reading will randomly tell me that my BP is 88 to 98, when I never even use it. The calorie count is WAY OFF as well as the distance. Tried using one of the programs on it and NOPE, way too much crap to do for it not to even save for next time. It still works, and I use it at least 5 days a week...so there's that. I STILL WISH I had purchased a better brand I still advise against buying it. I notice that amazon combined all of the Xterra Treadmills together now...I wonder if they did this to increase the ratings of the company and products? I would certainly look else where.12 Month Update: It still works. Mostly. 4 days ago I was moving along at 5.5 at just over 45 minutes when it just suddenly stopped and displayed a message on the screen of 'BLE'. BLE? Not a clue, and couldn't find any information about it at all. Yes, it said BLE. I always maintain and lube the treadmill as I should. So I contacted customer support...got an email back asking, 'Do you have a picture of this?' and I replied 'No', I was in the middle of a workout when this happened and it stopped. So far, I have not heard a word back from them. I did restart it and there was no more error. This is quite dangerous. I will update if is any more movement on this.Update to CS. About 4 days later, I received a email from them stating, 'Sorry for the late response, but we are looking into your problem.' OK, great. Another week and half rolls by and I receive a email stating that my ticket is waiting for my input. So once again, in the ticket, they are asking AGAIN for a picture. So it would seem to me that they don't believe that I observed the 'BLE' letters so therefore they aren't going to do anything about it. Xterra, you will never get another dime from me. For those that purchase from this company, good luck and hope you have a great experience with them. I have not and encourage others to look elsewhere.I finally thought I would try their programs. Wow, believe the other reviews about how worthless the programs are. CS was no help either. When I asked questions, all they did was copy a piece of the manual and paste it into a reply. And no, you cannot save your user settings. When I asked, CS couldn't even answer this for me. Also, the beeping..OMG the beeping. It is so loud....so I asked CS if there was a way to turn it off? Their reply was, 'Is it coming from the top or bottom?' Wow. So once I clarified it COMPLETELY they said, no, this model doesn't have that feature. However, 10 screws from the back, lift the cover off and put some tape over the little Piezo Buzzer and it is quite acceptable in noise level. My Nautilus Elliptical easily gives me the choice to turn it on or off. I took a piece of board and laid it across the top of the handles, and use this as my 'walking desk' with my laptop on it. Last week I did 4 miles in two hours at 2.0 mph, and about 1 hour in, I started smelling a electronic burn. I paused it, grabbed my tornado floor fan, aimed it at the front of the machine and continued on. This cooled it down. I am 216 pounds and this thing is suppose to be rated for 350 pounds.As a final thought on this treadmill, I STILL DO NOT recommend this one or this company. As time has gone on, I have experienced longer periods between communications, and the responses have been ridiculous to actually snarky. However, I do have to give it credit: it still works after 13 months of near daily use. Because of this treadmill, I have learned exactly what to look for in the next one I purchase which will hopefully be at least 3-5 years from now. But for those that say 'I don't want the bells and whistles', well, if you spend as much time on the treadmill as I do, believe me, you WILL WANT the bells and whistles. This treadmill does not have them. We all know that the fan is terrible, I mean, really just shows how cheap the company is...and this fits right along with the speakers. I have a pair of $10 speakers mounted, and they sound 10x better then the ones mounted on this thing. The Bluetooth? Ha! I spent $12 and bought a Bluetooth adapter and it works great with my headphones or speakers. As for the fan, I am using a dual fan that sits on the console that my wife used at work for a while. Works GREAT. The strongest part of this treadmill is its motor...no doubt it will last quite a while. But I have also learned that in my case I want a treadmill that will also decline. This treadmill does not do that...on its own. I made some blocks and placed them under the feet, and BAM!, I now have 3-4 degree's of decline. Because I experienced a burning smell from the motor area once, I did cut two holes in the hood and mounted Noctura fans to them. They keep the motor and circuit board very cool. I am happy with the treadmill at this point, but it has been a long, learning curve and experience to get here. For those that have this treadmill already, good luck. For those that are on the fence about buying it, I would highly suggest you look elsewhere. Just my opinion. Regardless of your decision, get out there and start exercising!