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@Shizaz: I really want to buy a piano, too--for the same reasons! We kind of have space issues, so we'll wait until LO is closer to 4. I would just ask if they had it serviced and tuned regularly and would go ahead and start looking for a pinao moving company/tuner now.

I agree with all of @mrbee: 's comments. Key resistance is the most important. Run your fingers over each and every key to see if any of them stick.

Tuning can always be done. Check the strings look good and test out the dampers/pedals. Make sure they actually work because that'll be extra money for you to fix if they don't.

Just wanted to add that there are ALWAYS upright pianos available for free/next to nothing. Don't feel rushed. When I looked into pianos, it really seemed like moving it was the biggest and costliest consideration.

I don't play piano myself but both DH and I hope to take lessons, and we also plan to get all of our kids in piano lessons - DS already takes group piano classes at age 3 and we really see him learning a lot! We play other instruments and get together regularly with some family/friends to play together, so we bought a piano that others regularly play and the kids can practice on. We bought an electric piano to avoid the maintenance (tuning, humidification) issues that others have mentioned, and also because it takes up very little space and can be moved/put away easily when necessary. We specifically looked for one with weighted keys from a reputable brand because we want it to mimic a regular piano as much as possible, and to last us a long time. We've been very happy with it but it cost more than the free upright pianos I see on craigslist a lot. Just another thing to consider! (I guess it is just a keyboard but it feels classier to call it an electric piano, ha ha!)