Best Things To Buy Used: Get the Most Bang and Value For Your Buck On These Used Items

Best Things To Buy Used

Are you looking to buy some goodies without blowing the budget?  Don’t feel like you are alone in your thriftiness.  Nearly everyone is tightening their belts when it comes to consumer spending. One way you can save some cash and not miss a beat is by buying things used. Not everything  out there should be purchased second hand. Knowing the things to target used can save you a ton of cash, though. Some things are just as good or better used. Don’t squander your hard-earned money on over-priced new products.

Here are a few ideas of items that are fabulous bargains when bought used.

1. Get More Books for Less Money

Some folks can’t go a day without reading a good book. That is a great habit to have but it can be an expensive one. Get more books for less by purchasing them used. Online websites offer books for pennies (plus shipping). Thrift stores and yard sales are good venues for the used book collector too. These days, it is almost unheard of to walk into a new book store and buy something that is not used. That is one reason the new bookstores are struggling.

2. Clothing for the Kiddos

Little ones grow fast. In fact, they grow so fast that spending a ton of money on their clothing in department stores is just silly. Commit to buying at least their play clothes used. These days, you can get the top of the line brands at thrift stores, trading posts, consignment shops and flea markets. Many times, the clothes will not even have the tags removed. Why pay top dollar when you don’t have to? This idea is especially helpful if families don’t have multiple kids that can share hand me downs.

3. Get In Shape for Cheaper

Exercise machines can cost a pretty penny but once they leave the showroom, they depreciate quickly. People looking for a new treadmill, bicycle or elliptical machine should start the search by perusing want ads and local used sporting goods stores. You will find unbelievable deals out there. Often, you will find someone to give it to you for hauling it off. The latest and greatest changes extremely fast in this industry.

4. Save On Appliances

A broken down dryer or washing machine can make life extremely difficult. Instead of splurging on showroom new appliances, consider a used item. The classifieds and local “penny saver” newspapers have specific sections just for used appliances. Consumers can shop by brand, price or location.

5. Drive without Sticker Shock

Buying used cars has always been a top shelf way to save cash. Buying used means no more worrying over a car payment. The trick is to have a trusted mechanic look the car over well before buying it. This will mitigate the chances that it will end up being a lemon.  There are plenty of good used cars out there. Take your time and find your best deal. Never pay what is asked and be prepared to put back some of that saved cash for repairs down the road. You will still come out cheaper than buying new most of the time.

6. Don’t Blow the Budget on DVDs or Movies

Want to build the family’s DVD collection? That’s a great idea that promises to provide plenty of entertainment for years to come. Why pay extra for them? Instead of spending big bucks on the latest movies, head out and find them used. You can find them in countless places including thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales, classifieds, online auction sites and even Craigslist. You should never pay full price for movies.

What are other items that you would recommend buying used to save money? 

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