New isn’t always better—sometimes it’s just more expensive. There’s this weird cultural thing where we think buying used means settling for garbage, but that’s nonsense. Some things are actually better used (broken in, proven quality, way cheaper), and buying them new is basically lighting money on fire.
Here are 10 things you should always buy secondhand, unless you enjoy paying double or triple for the exact same thing.
1. Books (because words don’t wear out)
New price: $15-30 for a hardcover Used price: $3-10
Where to buy:
- Thrift stores
- Used bookstores
- Half Price Books
- Library sales
- Facebook Marketplace
Why used is better: Books don’t expire. The story is identical whether you paid $25 or $4. Plus, used books have character (and sometimes funny notes in the margins).
Exception: If you want to support a specific author, buy new. Otherwise, save your money.
2. Kids’ clothes (they outgrow them in 30 seconds)
New price: $10-40 per item Used price: $2-10 per item
Where to buy:
- Consignment stores (Once Upon A Child, Kid to Kid)
- Facebook Marketplace
- Garage sales
- ThredUp online
Why used is better: Kids wear things for approximately four minutes before they grow out of them. Why pay full price for something they’ll wear twice? Used kids’ clothes are often in great condition because they barely got used.
Exception: Special occasion outfits or sentimental items (if you want to).
3. Furniture (solid wood beats particle board every time)
New price: $500-3,000 for decent furniture Used price: $50-500 for better quality
Where to buy:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- Estate sales
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Why used is better: Old furniture (especially vintage) is often real wood, not the particle board junk sold today. It’s heavier, sturdier, and lasts longer. Plus, if you’re even slightly handy, you can refinish or reupholster for cheap.
Skip used: Upholstered furniture (bed bugs and stains are real). Stick to hard furniture like tables, dressers, shelves.
4. Exercise equipment (because everyone’s New Year’s resolution fails)
New price: $500-2,000 for treadmills, bikes, weights Used price: $50-300
Where to buy:
- Facebook Marketplace (goldmine for this)
- Craigslist
- Garage sales
- Play It Again Sports
Why used is better: Gyms and people buy equipment with great intentions, barely use it, then want it gone. You can find barely-used treadmills, weight sets, and bikes for pennies on the dollar.
Pro tip: Shop in February. That’s when everyone’s given up on their fitness goals and wants their garage back.
5. Tools (they’re made to last decades)
New price: $50-300 per power tool Used price: $20-100
Where to buy:
- Pawn shops
- Estate sales
- Facebook Marketplace
- Garage sales
Why used is better: Quality tools last forever. That drill from 1985 probably works better than the new one from a big box store. Plus, you can find high-end brands (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita) for the price of cheap new ones.
What to check: Make sure power tools actually work before buying. Bring batteries if possible to test.
6. Cars (new cars lose 20% of their value immediately)
New price: $30,000+ average Used price: 2-3 year old car can be $10,000 less
Where to buy:
- Certified pre-owned from dealerships
- Private sellers
- CarMax, Carvana
Why used is better: New cars lose massive value the second you drive off the lot. Let someone else eat that depreciation. Buy a 2-3 year old car with low miles—same car, thousands less.
What to check: Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic. $100 inspection can save you thousands in hidden problems.
7. Sports equipment (skis, bikes, golf clubs, etc.)
New price: $200-2,000 depending on sport Used price: $50-500
Where to buy:
- Play It Again Sports
- Facebook Marketplace
- REI Used Gear (high quality)
- Local sports consignment shops
Why used is better: People buy expensive sports gear, use it twice, realize they’re not actually going to become pro golfers, and sell it for cheap. Their loss, your gain.
Especially good for kids: They’ll outgrow or lose interest before the equipment wears out.
8. Video games (because $60 is absurd for digital content)
New price: $60-70 Used price: $15-30
Where to buy:
- GameStop
- Facebook Marketplace
- eBay
- Local game stores
Why used is better: Games lose value fast once the initial hype dies. Wait 3-6 months and buy used for half price. Same game, same experience, half the cost.
Digital alternative: Wait for Steam sales, PlayStation sales, Xbox Game Pass—patient gamers save big.
9. DVDs and Blu-rays (if you still use these)
New price: $15-30 Used price: $1-5
Where to buy:
- Thrift stores (they’re practically free)
- Library sales
- Half Price Books
Why used is better: With streaming everywhere, physical media is dirt cheap. Build a collection for less than a month of streaming subscriptions.
Reality check: Most people don’t buy these anymore, but if you do, always go used.
10. College textbooks (the biggest scam in education)
New price: $100-300 per book Used price: $20-100
Where to buy:
- Chegg (rent or buy used)
- Amazon used
- Campus bookstore used section
- Upper-class students selling theirs
Why used is better: College textbooks are a racket. Publishers release new editions with minimal changes just to kill the used market. Don’t play their game—buy used or rent.
Better yet: Check if your library has copies, use PDFs (if legally available), or go in on a book with classmates.
What NOT to buy used
Just to be clear, some things you should always buy new:
- Mattresses (bed bugs, gross)
- Car seats (safety regulations change, and you don’t know crash history)
- Helmets (bikes, motorcycles—safety equipment shouldn’t be compromised)
- Shoes (worn-in to someone else’s feet)
- Underwear (do I need to explain?)
The bottom line
Buying used isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being smart. Why pay full price for something that’s identical (or better quality) secondhand?
The stigma around buying used is outdated. With Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, ThredUp, and all the other platforms, buying secondhand is easier than ever—and more socially acceptable.
The savings add up fast:
- Used books instead of new: Save $200/year
- Used kids’ clothes: Save $500/year
- Used furniture instead of IKEA: Save $1,000+
- Used car instead of new: Save $5,000-10,000
That’s real money you can use for literally anything else—savings, vacations, paying off debt, or buying the few things that actually should be new.
