21 Things You Should Never Buy New

Wise Bread ^ | 6/28/10 | Lynn Truong

[MissTed]

If you're looking to get the most value for your dollar, it would do your wallet good to check out secondhand options. Many used goods still have plenty of life left in them even years after the original purchase, and they're usually resold at a fraction of the retail price, to boot. Here's a list of 21 things that make for a better deal when you buy them used.

1. DVDs and CDs: Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don't want to bother with a return, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.

2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.

3. Video Games: Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you're not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it's worth the purchase.

4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you'll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.

[cowboyway]

Food. Never buy new food. Used food is usually free and just as nutritious.

[2nd Bn, 11th Mar]

Holsters.

[MissTed]

Thanks for the tip! lol

[Pessimist]

What about food, gasoline, electicity? :)

[JoeProBono]

You can pickup cheap pacemakers at yard sales

[Young Werther]

Might try this nude!

Miss Nomer June 29 2010!

[ConservativeMan55]

bttt

[woodbutcher1963]

You forgot women.

Anything that flies, floats or f——.

[Revolting cat!]

22. Underwear.

[antiRepublicrat]

Guns. If you’re looking for a rifle, check the gun stores/pawn shops just before hunting season.

[smalltownslick]

My favorite - 1/2 of 1/2

[Professional]

Someone was telling me about a guy that has a hearing problem, and buys hearing aids from widows for huge savings. The fact that the settings might not be compatible, doesn’t stop this guy......

[Professional]

Golf clubs absolutely. As long as you’re not dumb enough to think you can get new clubs that way. Lots of fake stuff out there. I’ve bought 2 Cobra drivers that I really like on Ebay, the model is 8 yrs old, but nothing has a hotter face than the original Cobra F Speed.

[SIDENET]

Mail order brides.

[balticseaviking]

I respectfully disagree with your comment on pets. My wife and I have rescued 6 dogs, four of which are still with us and we never had a moment when they where not well behaved and loving. A rescued dog will love you, of course you have to show it kindness and love in return. A pet bought in a pet store? you had better know what was bred into that dog.

[woodbutcher1963]

I agree with high quality hardwood furniture. I bought two Harden solid cherry end tables at a yard sale for $10 each.
I refinished them and they are still beautiful 15 years later. They would have been hundreds each brand new.
However, you need to buy better quality than IKEA.

Same story with dogs. The shelter is a great place to get a mutt. There is nothing wrong with a good mutt. However, most purebred dogs that end up in a shelter are there for a reason. They usually have a behavoir problem or they came from a pet store.
Any good breeder will take back any puppy if there is a problem.

[balticseaviking]

I respectfully disagree with your comment on pets. My wife and I have rescued 6 dogs, four of which are still with us and we never had a moment when they where not well behaved and loving. A rescued dog will love you, of course you have to show it kindness and love in return. A pet bought in a pet store? you had better know what was bred into that dog.

[Cyclone59]

I would agree with everything but #15. I buy a new Honda every 5 to six years. They easily last 15 years and well over 200,000 miles. Since they hold their value so well and last so long it makes financial sense for me. I feel that I get good pricing and only buy during the “Mr. Opportunity” sales when they offer the 0% financing. I should check into buying them off-lease as mentioned in this thread, sounds like a good idea.

[DustyMoment]

Toyotas - new or used.

Either they don’t stop, don’t go or parts get stuck on you.

[a fool in paradise]

6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture--that's when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.

Because some of it's cheap crap that can fall apart.