New or Used?

[David Whatley]

I have to admit, i very seldom buy any thing new. I dont care if its a car, camera, or a house, I want to get a deal. So, do you buy new or used and why?

[Wil_Bloodworth]

David,

I've bought lenses used... a long time ago. I'll never do that again unless it's from someone I know. Never from somewhere like Adorama.

But that's just me and I am OCD about my camera gear.

To quote Scott, YMMV...

- Wil

[Jim Victory]

I normally buy new because I can usually find it for less than most want to sell it for used.

[S-Man]

I think like 90% of my camera gear is used. But I'm very particular and patient when looking for the right deal and well cared for gear.
Other stuff I usually go new. i.e. electronics (Laptop, monitor, printer) and my current vehicle was new in '02.
With food I usually go for new

[L Stegall]

It depends - I've done both. I think KEH grades their used equipment very stringently and I feel comfortable buying from them (they also have a return policy, but I've never had to use it). I don't have any hesitation about calling them if I see something on their website I'm interested in. I did buy my 200 f/2.8 L lens from a guy on ebay, but I exchanged a fair amount of emails with him beforehand and he posted enough info and pictures that I again felt comfortable doing so and was not disappointed. In general, if there isn't much of a price difference, I wil buy new over used for warranty and just the fact something is unused. I also have picked up some things here on TPF.

As for houses - I live in a house built in 1916. Do the math. :-D

My last car was new, but I'd consider a good used car next time - low mileage, late model, nice car.

New clothes unless we're talking really cool vintage/designer stuff.

[Digigeek]

Food - new
Cars - new
Boats - new and used (used is better in the long run)
House - all were new (the last was a steal as a result of the downturn in housing sales)
Electonics and toys - new and used (check 'em out first)
Spouse - won't go there, but she got the same deal I got

[klynam]

I conservatively estimate 50% or more of the major purchases I've made in the last 10 years have been pre-owned including virtually all my photography equipment, musical equipment, appliances, fitness equipment, furniture, homes, cars, the list goes on.

Yes I've been burned a few times, but I usually research and know what I'm looking for, and what to check for. If I can get a fully functional whatchamacallit for 30-50% savings over the new price, you can bet I'll give it serious consideration. Besides, the "gotta upgrade" mentality here in North Texas keeps lots of great items on the pre-owned market at very good prices. So my money goes much further w/ pre-owned purchases.

Most importantly, since it seems 99.9% of all consumer goods (except food) are imported - and I'm sick of America's mass consumption mentality hemorrhaging the US economy - I feel much better seeing money go into the hand of a fellow US citizen.

Yes, yes, I know - not all the money spent on an imported product goes directly off shore. And purchasing an imported product from an American doesn't mean it's no longer an imported product. Nonetheless MOST of that money is leaving our shores, never to return.

Personally, I'll gladly forgo the hottest new gizmo for the previous model (or even the one before that) to help keep a few more dollars circulating here at home. It may not be much but at this point every little bit helps...

[texkam]

Never used underwear.

[Digigeek]

Originally Posted by texkam

Never used underwear.

Or borrowed.

[AndrewCCM]

Little of both... The majority is new though.

[donlfaulkner]

Originally Posted by texkam

Never used underwear.

Depends on whether it's been washed.

[dryicerx]

For everything, I always try new... unless the used price is killer. I'd rather settle for a step below or a feature less if it's new, and be very happy about having the peace of mind that if something goes wrong, I can always return it or use it's warranty, and who can resist the smell of new stuff.

With used, there is always the possibility of hidden issues that might be apparently only a few days/weeks after the purchase, in which case you're royally screwed. It's a gamble. It's rare it it happens, but it does happen.

[texkam]

Depends on how sweet the deal is. I love yard sales. Bought a tile cutting wet saw someone used once for their tile job, a wonderful Cuckoo Clock :), a killer mountain bike and the list goes on. My daughter goes to Plano West and dresses impeccably, but for pennies on the dollar thanks to Goodwill. She loves it. Came home the other day with 2 incredible prom dresses .... $4 each. I'll have to get some pics of her in them.

[miffed67]

Oh how I love Goodwill! I shop there for the kidlet's clothes, too, Mark. Can't beat that deal!

I usually buy used, but I just recently bought my first NEW car (actually a truck, '10 Toyota Tundra) in over 10 years, and my DSLR and lenses were purchased new, also. I have a Canon AE-1P that was given to me, but I've bought lenses and a TC for it, all were used. Actually, the camera (my new one) and my truck are the only "big" things I can remember buying new in a long time. eBay is SO my friend, I can't tell you how much I love that place!

[texkam]

To all who donate to Goodwill (including myself) a big thank you. Your stuff finds a good home. :)

Oh, and free is good too. So many people just want/need to get rid of stuff and are tickled to see it find a new home. Freecycling!