In fact, we buy a lot of used things.
Yes, there are some items you may not want to buy used.
For us, shoes and mattresses are on the only buy new list.
Books and Textbooks
Unless theyre full of of photos or art, youre mostly buying the information in books.
Why pay double or triple to have an unworn cover?
I regularly buy books onAmazon.comfor a penny.
you could find even cheaperused booksat rummage sales and thrift stores.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you could easily return later.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Buyingused textbooksin particular can save you a fortune.
Websites likeBookscouter,CampusBooks.comandAllBookstores.comconnect you with the best deals online.
Two of the kids bikes were under $20 and appeared to be in good condition.
Kids outgrow bicycles quickly, so it makes sense to buy used ones for them.
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3.
Appliances
When buyingused appliances, its not always easy to determine if they have serious problems.
We once bought a washing machine for $80, only to have it die a week later.
I paid $90 and never had a problem in the six years I owned it.
Expect a discount of 30% or more.
Be sure to ask why the item was returned.
If it was just a bad color for the customers home, no problem.
If there was a problem with the functioning of the appliance, be sure it was repaired.
Should you buy used appliances directly from their owners on Craiglist or other resale sites?
Sure, but youll want to be careful.
confirm to test the item before agreeing to purchase it.
Designer Jeans
Heres an item most people dont think about buying used.
Yes, theyve been worn, but then even new jeans have been tried on by others.
As with most items, rummages sales and thrift stores are probably the best places to snag deals.
But you’re able to easily find used designer jeans for sale online as well.
A check of Bloomingdales shows that they are going for $185 new.
Youll also want to check your local Facebook reselling groups for pre-owned designer jeans.
Computers
you’re able to save serious money buying used laptops, tablets and desktops.
Of course, buying from a garage sale might not be a good idea for these kinds of items.
Instead, buy properly refurbished items, preferably those that come with warranties.
A search ofWalmart.comfor refurbished computers yields hundreds of results, some starting at less than $100.
Like many of the choices listed on the site, it also has a one-year warranty.
Here are some more places it’s possible for you to buy refurbished computers:
7.
Wedding Dresses
How much closer to new can you get than when somethings been worn for just one day?
For example,PreOwnedWeddingDresses.comsays it has over 20,000 listings.
Cars
The long-term cost ofbuying used carsis much lower than buying new cars.
You probably knew that, but maybe you worry about the hassle ofrepairing a used carmore frequently.
Of course, there is a reason theyre selling it, so be sure to ask.
Have a mechanic look at it if thats feasible.
Dealers will usually have higher prices, but sometimes sell cleaner cars that have been checked out for problems.
Some offer a satisfaction guarantee.
For example,CarMaxgives you five days to return a car if you dont like it.
Look for used exercise equipment onCraigslistor at rummage sales.
Tools
When buying used power tools, you never really know if a motor is about to burn out.
So test them carefully, and buy for less than half of the new price.
Be willing to pay a bit more for used hand tools in good condition.
There isnt much to go wrong with a pair of pliers or a hammer.
you might buyused tools on Amazon.com, but youll usually find better deals locally.
Rummage sales may have the best prices, but I like long-term vendors atflea markets.
Your Turn: What items do you buy used, and which ones do you only buy new?
Disclosure: We appreciate you letting us include affiliate links in this post.
It helps keep the beer fridge stocked in the Penny Hoarder break room.
Probably not as good as youd like.
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But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
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