Buying used items is often a great way to save money in your family’s budget. More often than not, you will get all the benefits of the item at a fraction of the cost – sometimes a very small fraction.
Things to Buy New
Computer software. There is a very high chance that the used software you see online is pirated or stolen. Therefore, you’ll be stealing from the true developer and be exposed to the unknown flaws in the pirated software.
Sports safety gear. Many pieces of protective equipment, including bike helmets and some knee and elbow pads, are designed to withstand only one impact. Since you cannot know the true history of the item, always buy safety gear new. It’s not worth risking your safety or your children’s safety for the sake of saving a few dollars.
Car tires. It might be easy to overlook the importance of tires, but they are critical for the safe operation of your vehicle. This is another area where it’s not worth the risk of buying used. Additionally, since you’re (likely) not a tire technician, it will be hard for you to accurately assess the condition of a used tire. You won’t save anything if your “bargain” used tires leave you stranded after two weeks on your way to a big meeting or family outing.
Underwear. Always new. The same goes for swimsuits.
Humidifiers. These things are germ factories. Mold and bacteria are certainly rampant inside a used humidifier sold at yard sales or Goodwill. New humidifiers are cheap.
Wedding jewelry. A unique piece or heirloom can be bought from a reputable jewelry store. However, you need to be very cautious when buying used diamond rings anywhere else.
Things to Buy Used
Cars. Everyone knows this, right? “The moment you drive it off the lot… etc.” It’s all true. Take advantage of your savings by buying a car that’s at least two years old. Buying a used car makes it easy to pay for it in cash, thus avoiding years of dreadful monthly payments.
Children’s clothing. You really don’t have to buy any new clothes for your little one. Family members can do that, while you get everything else from church bazaars, yard sales, and friends who have slightly older kids.
Books. Again, we all know this. The only thing you’ll get from buying a new copy is the “new book smell” and the first crisp sound of the binding. I love these two things, but not enough to pay full price for a book I’ll read once. Here’s a related thought: start using the library again. You might have to wait a few days for the latest bestseller, but it will be… free.
Video games. Save $10-$20 on the latest titles by waiting a few months to buy a used copy. Used video games are usually in very good condition. After all, they’re being sold because they weren’t successful with the first owner.
Hand tools. These are perfect purchases at yard sales. They are simple, sturdy, and easy to assess their condition. A used hammer valued at $2 will perform just as well as a $17 model from Home Depot.
Exercise equipment. A lot of home fitness equipment has hardly been used before it turned into a clothes rack or was dragged back into the basement. It’s easy to buy a used gym. But I should look carefully before buying a used treadmill; it might be wobbly.
Furniture. This is especially true if you’re furnishing a spare room or enjoy refinishing furniture. High-quality dressers, coffee tables, etc., can be extremely expensive. Craigslist.com is filled with quality items at great prices.
On
Although this list is diverse, it offers some general lessons. Do not jeopardize the safety or health of your family when making a purchasing decision, and ideally, you should be able to assess the condition of a used item easily without any specialized knowledge. The more complex the item is, the greater the risk of buying it used. (Your mechanic can pre-inspect used cars for you.)
Of course, as with most decisions in life, common wisdom is the real key to deciding whether to buy new or “used.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/should-you-buy-new-or-used-4054264
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