Never Buy These Things Newby Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 17 Jan 2008 04:47 PM Usually, I approach any needs or wants buy doing research and then buying used. Of course, there are some things that you just can't buy used (toilet paper as an extreme example), and there are times when buying new makes more sense (we looked at a used swing set that would cost more to move to our home than a brand new one that included delivery and installation). Over the years, I have discovered some rules for items that are usually better buying used 99 percent of the time. These are items that when looking the cost difference and the quality of used, buying new just doesn't make sense. I've also found the rare exception to the rule in some cases, and I've listed that as well. Let's get started. Books, CDs, DVDs A new hardcover book at a bookstore such as Borders may cost you $25. The same book will cost $9 on half.com, $2.14- $2.47 on paperback swap (the average cost of mailing one of your own books to get a credit), $1 at a thrift shop or tag sale, or free from a friend. The rare exception: when you can combine promotions in the bargain bin. Borders sometimes runs 50 percent off bargain books (already reduced) with a buy 3 get 1 free. I can pick up four hardcover books for about $1.50 each. Pets An adopted pet will always be a bargain when compared to buying a "new" one from a breeder. Many times, medical needs will have been met for free. The argument that only a pure bred pet will do isn't an excuse. There are rescue organizations for practically any type of pet, from a Siamese cat to a Greyhound dog. Compare $600 plus another $200 in vet fees compared to a donation of $25 to $175. Cars You already know about how quickly cars depreciate once they are driven off of the lot. A used car can offer you big savings over a new one. It is important to do your research of course. Purchase a used car that has a good reputation for durability, and then check the car's history using its VIN number. A car that is five years old or less will often still be under warranty. The rare exception: When the depreciation is at a very low rate, or the financing is so good that you would actually pay more for a used car in the long run. Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here. Related Articles: Calculate the Real Cost of a Purchase Rent Paperbacks and Audio Books Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantfrugal tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags frugal, shopping, thrifty, used Discuss this article
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