Not every purchase has to be brand new. Some items are better purchased secondhand, offering significant savings without compromising quality or performance. By knowing what to buy used, you can stretch your budget, reduce waste, and still get top-notch value.
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1. Cars
Cars lose value the moment they leave the dealership lot, with depreciation hitting hardest in the first few years. Buying a gently used car, often just two or three years old, can save you thousands while still providing modern features and reliable performance. Many used cars also come with certified pre-owned warranties, giving you peace of mind without the hefty price tag. Since most vehicles are built to last well over 100,000 miles with proper care, buying used makes financial sense. You’ll avoid the steep depreciation curve and still enjoy years of dependable transportation.
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2. Books
Books are one of the best things to buy used because the content never changes. Whether it’s a novel, biography, or reference guide, a secondhand copy delivers the same story and knowledge as a new one at a fraction of the cost. Libraries, thrift stores, and online marketplaces are full of gently used books that often look nearly new. For collectors, used bookstores can even uncover out-of-print gems. Since books are durable and easy to clean, there’s little downside to buying them secondhand. It’s a smart, sustainable way to build a personal library without draining your wallet.
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3. Textbooks
Textbooks are notoriously expensive when purchased new, making them one of the smartest items to buy used. Students can save hundreds of dollars each semester by purchasing secondhand or even renting textbooks. Used copies may already include helpful notes or highlights, too. Online platforms, campus bookstores, and student groups make finding affordable textbooks easy. Given that most are only used for a semester or two, there’s little reason to pay full retail price. Buying used is simply the practical choice.
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4. Hand Tools
Hand tools are built to last for decades, which makes them an excellent candidate for secondhand shopping. A quality hammer, wrench, or screwdriver often works just as well after years of use as it did brand new. In fact, older tools are sometimes sturdier than modern versions. Yard sales, estate sales, and thrift shops are full of gently used tools at a fraction of the cost of new ones. As long as they’re not rusted or damaged, secondhand tools perform just as effectively. Buying used saves money while still giving you reliable gear for your toolbox.
5. Exercise Equipment
Exercise equipment is expensive when it's new, but it often ends up barely used. Many people buy treadmills, stationary bikes, or weight sets with good intentions, only to let them collect dust. When they eventually resell, buyers can score high-quality gear for a fraction of the original cost. Used equipment typically lasts for years, especially solid items like weights or benches that show little wear. Even bigger machines like ellipticals or rowers are often still in excellent condition. By buying secondhand, you can create a home gym affordably while avoiding the inflated prices of brand-new fitness equipment.
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6. Children’s Clothing
Children grow so quickly that buying brand-new clothing often feels like a waste. Outfits that fit one month may be too small the next. That’s why secondhand children’s clothing is such a smart buy. Consignment shops, thrift stores, and online resale platforms are filled with gently used or even never-worn items at a fraction of retail prices. Since kids outgrow clothes faster than they wear them out, the quality is often still excellent. Buying used not only saves money but also allows parents to dress their children in name-brand or high-quality items for a fraction of the cost.
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7. Office Furniture
Office furniture is a smart purchase to make secondhand because it’s often built to last and comes at a fraction of the cost of new pieces. Desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and bookcases are durable and can easily be refinished, repainted, or reupholstered to suit your style. Many businesses upgrade furniture regularly, leaving high-quality items in excellent condition for resale. Buying used allows you to create a functional, stylish workspace without overspending. Whether outfitting a home office or a large corporate environment, secondhand office furniture combines affordability, durability, and sustainability.
8. Sports Equipment
Sports gear can be pricey, but used equipment offers significant savings. Items like baseball bats, gloves, skis, or golf clubs are built to last, and secondhand versions often perform just as well as new ones. Many people upgrade their gear frequently, leaving behind high-quality items with plenty of life left. Specialty stores, thrift shops, and online marketplaces make it easy to find affordable options. As long as you check for cracks, excessive wear, or missing parts, used sports equipment is a reliable buy. It’s a practical way to pursue hobbies or introduce kids to sports without overspending.
9. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are another category where buying used makes excellent sense. Many instruments, such as guitars, violins, or pianos, actually improve in sound quality with age as the wood matures. Even brass and woodwind instruments can perform beautifully with a little maintenance. Parents of beginners often find used instruments perfect for children who may switch interests quickly. Buying secondhand also allows you to access higher-quality brands at affordable prices. Music stores, pawn shops, and online marketplaces are full of options. With proper care, a used instrument can provide years, if not decades, of beautiful music at a fraction of the cost.
10. Wood and Metal Furniture
Sturdy furniture made of wood or metal is built to last for decades, making it a great secondhand purchase. Unlike upholstered pieces, wood and metal can be easily cleaned, refinished, or repainted to look brand new. Vintage and antique furniture is often made of higher-quality materials than today’s mass-produced versions, offering both durability and style. Buying used also saves money, letting you furnish a home at a fraction of the cost. Whether you shop thrift stores, estate sales, or online marketplaces, secondhand furniture offers timeless value. It’s practical, sustainable, and often far more unique than anything bought new.
11. Camping Gear
Camping gear is expensive upfront, but much of it holds up well and can be bought used without issue. Tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks are often lightly used since many people only camp once or twice a year. Secondhand outdoor stores and gear exchanges are great places to find high-quality brands at steep discounts. As long as zippers work and fabric is intact, these items perform just as well as new ones. Buying used lets you enjoy the outdoors affordably while reducing waste. With a little care, secondhand camping gear can last for years of adventure.
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12. Appliances
Large appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators are expensive when purchased new, but reliable secondhand options are widely available. Many people upgrade their appliances before the old ones wear out, making gently used models a bargain. As long as you check for working parts and reasonable age, used appliances can last for years. Reputable secondhand stores often test and refurbish items, providing additional peace of mind. Buying used also allows you to afford higher-quality brands that might be out of reach otherwise. Since these items are built for long-term use, secondhand appliances can offer excellent value.
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13. Power Tools
Power tools are another category where secondhand makes financial sense. High-quality drills, saws, and sanders are built for durability and often last for decades with proper care. Many homeowners purchase tools for a single project and then resell them, leaving behind lightly used gear at steep discounts. Buying used gives you access to professional-grade brands without the hefty price tag. Pawn shops, garage sales, and online marketplaces are full of great deals. As long as you test the tool and check for damage, secondhand options can perform just as reliably as new ones while saving you money.
14. Designer Clothing and Handbags
Designer clothing and handbags often come with steep retail prices, but the secondhand market is full of bargains. Luxury items are typically well-made, meaning they hold up over time and can still look nearly new when resold. Consignment shops and online resale platforms offer authenticated pieces at a fraction of the cost. Buying used also allows you to experiment with high-end fashion without breaking your budget. Since trends come and go, purchasing pre-owned ensures you’re not overspending on items you may not wear forever. It’s a stylish way to save money while still enjoying quality fashion.
15. Jewelry
Jewelry is one of the smartest things to buy used because precious metals and gemstones don’t lose value with age. A secondhand gold necklace or diamond ring is just as beautiful and durable as a brand-new one, often costing significantly less. Antique or vintage jewelry can even offer unique designs that aren’t available in modern stores. Pawn shops, estate sales, and jewelry resellers are great places to find deals. Since you’re paying for the material and craftsmanship, not the new-store markup, buying used jewelry is both practical and rewarding. It’s a timeless investment at a better price.
16. Bicycles
Bicycles are often resold in excellent condition, making them an ideal secondhand purchase. Many owners upgrade to newer models, leaving behind bikes with plenty of life left. High-quality bikes are built to last, and with a quick tune-up, a used one can ride like new. Buying secondhand allows you to afford better brands and components at a fraction of the price. For kids, used bikes are especially practical since they outgrow them quickly. Thrift shops, bike co-ops, and online marketplaces make it easy to find affordable options. It’s an eco-friendly, budget-friendly way to enjoy cycling.
17. Sports Gear for Kids
Kids grow so fast that buying new sports gear can feel wasteful. Items like cleats, helmets, pads, and uniforms are often outgrown before they’re worn out. Secondhand gear stores, consignment shops, and online swaps are full of gently used equipment at much lower prices. Since children may switch sports or lose interest quickly, buying used minimizes wasted money. Many communities even run gear exchange programs to make sports more affordable for families. As long as items are in good condition and meet safety standards, used sports gear is a smart way to support your child’s activities.
18. Gardening Tools
Gardening tools are built for durability, making them perfect for secondhand shopping. Items like shovels, rakes, hoes, and wheelbarrows are often resold after minimal use, since many people buy them for small projects and then no longer need them. Unlike electronics or appliances, these tools rarely break down and can easily be cleaned or sharpened. Buying used helps you save money on equipment that’s often overpriced when new. Yard sales, thrift shops, and community swaps are excellent sources for affordable tools. With a little care, secondhand gardening tools can last for decades of outdoor projects.
19. Pet Crates and Carriers
Pet crates and carriers are easy to sanitize, making them a great secondhand buy. Many pet owners use these items for only a short time, such as during puppy training or vet visits, before reselling them. Since they’re often barely used, you can find high-quality crates and carriers at steep discounts. As long as you check for damage and give them a good cleaning, used versions work just as well as new. Buying secondhand not only saves money but also reduces waste, keeping bulky items out of landfills. It’s a practical, budget-friendly way to care for your furry friend.
20. Dishes and Glassware
Dishes and glassware are some of the easiest and most affordable items to buy used. Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces are full of sturdy sets that have plenty of life left. Since glass, ceramic, and stoneware are easy to clean and sanitize, secondhand pieces are just as safe as new ones. Many vintage sets are also more durable and stylish than today’s mass-produced versions. Whether you’re stocking a first apartment, replacing broken pieces, or hunting for unique designs, buying used dishes is a smart and sustainable option. It’s an easy way to save money while adding character.
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