My spouse and I have never purchased a brand-new car, even though we could easily pay cash. In fact, we buy many items secondhand.
Why? We figure that if we get what we need for less, we’ll have more money available fortravelingand other key priorities. If that sounds familiar, you probably already realize you can save a bundle by buying used goods.
Certainly, some things you may prefer to buy new. For us, shoes and mattresses are on the “buy new only” list. But buying pre-owned — at a small fraction of the new price — makes sense for items that fall into one of these groups:
- Items that work just as well used as new: A solid coat rack functions the same whether it’s new or a decade old, so why not pick one up in a neighborhood swap group?
- Things you’ll rarely use: If you only need a sink-strainer removal wrench once or twice in your life, why not get it from a used tool shop for half the cost of a new one?
- Refurbished products: They’re less expensive than brand-new versions and often include warranties.
- Like-new items: Gently used goods are offered at a fraction of their original cost, so buying new rarely makes sense.
- Whatever has a far lower lifetime cost than buying new: A used toaster might have only half its lifespan left, but if it looks fine and costs $3 instead of $20, the math is easy.
With those guidelines in mind, here are ten categories you should consider buying used.
1. Books and Textbooks
Unless the book is loaded with photographs or artwork, you’re mainly paying for the content. Why spend double or triple for an untouched cover?
I often find books on Amazon.com for a penny. The $3.99 shipping is the real expense, but if you sign up for Amazon Prime or Amazon Student (trial), shipping is free. You can often find even better bargains at church sales and thrift stores.
Used textbooks, especially, can cut costs dramatically. Sites like Bookscouter, CampusBooks.com and AllBookstores.com help you locate the best online deals. Buyers typically save around 61% compared to new, according to BigWords.com, with discounts reaching as high as 90%. They estimate a college student could save roughly $1,000 a year by choosing the lowest-priced textbooks their tool identifies.
2. Bicycles
Want a high-performance bike without the sticker shock? Save hundreds by buying a used bicycle. Just make sure to test it thoroughly. Even a basic model purchased used can be 50% cheaper or more. I’ve ridden used bikes I paid as little as $15 for, enjoying them for years before passing them on.
Look for bikes at thrift shops or sports consignment stores, and you’ll likely find even better bargains at rummage sales and local resale groups.
Try Craigslist too. A local search for bicycles on my Craigslist produced 11 listings under $50 on the first page. Two kids’ bikes were under $20 and appeared to be in good shape. Since children quickly outgrow bikes, buying used makes a lot of sense.
3. Appliances
It can be tricky to know whether used appliances have hidden issues. If you buy from a shop that provides at least a 60-day warranty, you should be in the clear. We once bought a washer for $80 that failed a week later. The seller guaranteed appliances for 90 days, repaired it the next day, and it ran well for years.
Another avenue is returned appliances — items that someone purchased and barely used. These are often not widely advertised, so ask store managers if they have any returns they can sell at a discount. Once I found a dryer that had been used only 10 days; I paid $90 and never had an issue during the six years I owned it.
Expect discounts of 30% or more. Ask why the product was returned. If it was just the wrong color, that’s fine. If there was a functional problem, ensure it has been fixed.
Buying appliances directly from owners on Craigslist or similar sites is fine, but proceed with caution. Test the unit before committing and be aware you’ll have fewer options if a problem arises — so only buy if the deal is excellent and you’re ready to handle repairs if needed.
4. Furniture
You may want to steer clear of secondhand mattresses and upholstered pieces now that bedbugs are becoming more common. If you do buy mattresses or sofas, inspect them carefully before bringing them into your home.
However, wood, metal and glass furniture is simple to sanitize and can look great even after decades. My partner and I scored a lovely oak coffee table for $20 at a rummage sale. A similar new table would have cost at least $120 (and we later resold it for $80).
Consignment stores and used furniture shops usually sell items for about half the new price. Thrift stores often offer 75%+ discounts. If you hit the right rummage sale, you can sometimes find quality wood pieces for up to 90% off the new cost.
5. Designer Jeans
Here’s something many people don’t consider buying secondhand. Yes, they’ve been worn, but even “new” jeans have been tried on in stores. Just launder them before you wear, and you can own the label you want for far less.
Thrift stores and rummage sales are prime spots for deals, but you can also find pre-owned designer jeans online. For instance, a pair of J Brand jeans is listed on eBay for $20 in “gently used” condition, while Bloomingdale’s sells them new for $185. Also check local Facebook resale groups for high-end denim.
6. Computers
Buying used laptops, tablets and desktops can yield major savings. Skip garage-sale tech and instead opt for properly refurbished machines that ideally come with warranties.
A search on Walmart.com for “refurbished computers” shows hundreds of options, some under $100. An HP Pavilion similar to mine (originally over $500) is listed for $182, and I could pick it up locally and return it if needed. Many listings include a one-year warranty. Other places to buy refurbished computers include:
7. Wedding Dresses
How closer to new can you get than a gown worn for a single day? Consider buying an almost-new wedding dress through websites that link buyers to brides selling their gowns at steep discounts.
For example, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com lists over 20,000 dresses. Many are at least 50% off the original price, and some are discounted up to 75%. Some gowns are actually brand-new with tags still attached. That often points to a cancelled wedding — unfortunate for the seller, but a great opportunity for you to save while helping someone recoup expenses.
8. Cars
The long-term expense of buying used cars is typically much lower than buying new. You probably know that, but maybe worry about increased repair needs.
A sensible compromise, according to Consumer Reports, is to buy a vehicle that’s two to three years old. Much of the steep new-car depreciation is over, insurance is often cheaper, and a relatively young used car may still be under factory warranty.
It’s true used-car loan rates can be higher than new-car rates, but borrowing less often means lower monthly payments. Buy a cheap enough car and you might pay cash. Paying cash typically gets you a better dealandeliminates finance charges.
The least expensive approach is to buy a car from a private seller advertising it on their lawn. There’s usually a reason it’s for sale, so ask questions and, if possible, have a mechanic inspect it.
Dealerships usually charge more, but they may sell cleaner, inspected vehicles and sometimes offer satisfaction guarantees. For instance, CarMax allows a five-day return if you’re unhappy.
9. Exercise Equipment
Not to sound harsh, but why pay full price for equipment that will likely end up gathering dust in a basement?
Most exercise gear — especially weights and benches — performs the same used as new. Check Craigslist or rummage sales for bargains. Expect to pay less than half the new price and be glad you didn’t overspend when that stationary bike is later relegated to storage.
10. Tools
With used power tools you can’t always tell if a motor is near failure. Test them carefully and aim to pay under half the new price. For hand tools in good condition, be willing to pay a bit more; a hammer or pair of pliers rarely fails.
You can find used tools on Amazon.com, but better deals are often local. Rummage sales might have the lowest prices, and long-term flea-market vendors can be good too — they might not refund cash but will often give store credit if a tool proves faulty.
Your Turn: What items do you purchase used, and which do you insist on buying new?
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