10 things you should never buy new article

[Snoopy2645]

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com....aspx?GT1=8473


interesting thought I would share

[tgavin71]

thanks

[Marcymox]

I agree with every single one of those things except the car.

[poundwise]

I agree with the article on the car.

Where I disagree is sports equipment and software.

Certain sports equipment, such as a football helmet, needs to be specifically purchased in top condition and fitted to the individual. If you can find this used, then fine. Otherwise, safety trumps frugality IMO. Of course, if we're talking about a baseball bat or basketball goal, then by-all-means, buy it used.

Used software can be a real problem. For one, you have to be wary of counterfeit copies of popular software such as operating systems and office programs. Secondly, discs can, of course, be damaged. However, most problematic may be legitimate programs in good condition, but that have been previously registered, activated, upgraded, etc. For instance, if you bought a copy of the PC video game Unreal Tournament from someone who had already played it online, you could install it on your computer and play the game yourself, but you would almost certainly not be able to register and play online. Once again, just like my comment on sports equipment, there are many things these comments wouldn't apply to and, yes, I would gladly buy used.

[Snoopy2645]

I agree with the books & kids toys & cars. As for books & toys I have found so many so cheap at garage sales this summer & lots in new condition & lots for only .25 my 5yr old picked up a robot this year at a garage & he was a quarter he worked perfect just like new she has played with it for months now best money I have spent on a toy in awhile!!!

[GrimJack]

I go back and forth on the car thing -- in 1986 I bought a brand new car with the promise that I would keep it for 15 years. I kept it until 2 months ago. Eightteen years! I loved that car but... I missed out on a lot of improvements in features and safety. No airbags, no a/c, etc. To be honest, I would not buy that car now brand new for even half what I paid for it 18 years ago ($12k) because for $12k I could get a pt cruiser (not that I would want one of those ugly things - no insult intended to those who own one).

I guess I just talked myself into buying used. Another thing, cars are better made now (this comment should get some harsh replies). I remember when the reason you bought a new car every 3 years was because American car-makers could not build a car that lasted longer (another flood of harsh comments on this one). Japanese and other foreign competition forced upgrades and improvements in our auto industry

Yadda, yadda, yadda - I think I started out to say buying a new car was the way to go and changed my mind

Grim

[Crystallas]

Live life, you need to buy new sometimes. Never is a bad lead in to such. I could possibly agree with avoid buying these things new, not NEVER buy these things new. The fact of the matter is, money cant buy the feeling that you get of getting something you really need or want, and being at the cutting edge.