Buy used where it pays — new where it matters
Second-hand saves the most on items that are well-made, depreciate fast, or barely differ from new. A few things, though, are better bought new for safety or hygiene. Here's the cheat sheet.
Best things to buy used
- Furniture — solid-wood and design pieces are built to last and lose huge value when first sold. Massive savings (see furniture guide).
- Cars — skip the steep first-owner depreciation; buy 2–3 years old (used-car guide).
- Electronics — phones, laptops, tablets a generation old (electronics guide, used iPhone).
- Tools — old hand and power tools were often built better and last decades.
- Books, media & games — near-new condition at a fraction of retail (retro gaming).
- Cameras, watches, hi-fi — durable, repairable, and often superior to cheap new equivalents (cameras, watches).
- Clothing — especially quality and vintage pieces (vintage fashion).
- Sports & hobby gear — often barely used; big savings on bikes, skis, instruments.
What to usually buy new
- Mattresses — hygiene and hidden pests.
- Car seats & safety helmets — you can't verify crash/impact history.
- Non-stick cookware — worn coatings degrade.
- Anything with a critical recall or expiry you can't verify.
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Curious about the bigger case for buying used? See why buy second-hand.
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