16 things you should never buy new
Looking to get the most bang for your buck? Think used, not new.
Looking to get the most bang for your buck? Think used. U.S. News & World Report has compiled a list of 16 things you should never buy new.
Looking to get the most bang for your buck? Think used. U.S. News & World Report has compiled a list of 16 things you should never buy new.
Books -- Buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. Conditions usually range from good to like-new.
Cars -- In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. But be sure to have a trusted mechanic check it out first.
CDs & DVDs -- Used DVDs and CDs will play like new, as long as they were well taken care of.
Craft Supplies -- Rather than buy new, join a craft swap with other crafty people to trade art supplies with.
Consumer Electronics -- Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they’ll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested and then resold at a lower price.
Games & Toys --Find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or ask neighbors, friends and family to trade used toys.
Gardening Supplies -- Look outdoors to find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden tools are also good yard sale finds.
Hand Tools -- Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made and well-maintained.
Ikea Furniture -- Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle?
Jewelry -- Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces.
Maternity & Baby Clothes -- Maternity clothes don’t get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown.
Office Furniture -- Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. And with the recession shutting down so many businesses, great deals abound.
Pets -- Adopt a "pre-owned" pet from a local animal shelter and get a new family member, with fees and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.
Special Occasion & Holiday Clothing -- Most people take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet cast-outs are your savings.
Sports Equipment -- When sports equipment ends up on the resale market, it tends to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used gear through Craigslist or at yard sales or sports-equipment stores.
Video Games -- Kids get tired of video games quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date.
Click here to read the U.S. News & World Report article in full.
