Buying everything brand new is a quick way to empty a bank account. Many items lose a chunk of their value the moment they’re purchased. People often spend a lot on things that depreciate fast without checking out secondhand options first.
Take cars and electronics, for example. They can lose a big percentage of their original price within the first year. This steep drop in value means smart consumers can find great deals on items that are barely used. Skipping the retail markup helps keep more money in the bank.
The secondhand market offers a chance to own high-quality products without the high-end price tag. Places like thrift stores and online marketplaces are full of items that still work perfectly.
Let’s explore fifteen types of items you should consider buying used. It will break down why each purchase makes financial sense and offer tips on how to get the most for your money.
1. Cars
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Automobiles lose value immediately after driving off the dealership lot. The steepest drop occurs during the initial two years of ownership. Purchasing a gently used vehicle provides modern safety features and reliable performance at a significantly reduced price.
Automotive industry data shows new cars lose 15–20% value in the first year, sometimes up to 35% depending on model. Buyers who select a three-year-old model avoid this massive financial hit entirely. Certified pre-owned programs often include extended warranties for added peace of mind.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: 2-3 year old models from reliable brands.
- Where to Look: Certified pre-owned dealership programs, reputable used car lots, private sellers.
- Pro Tip: Always get a vehicle history report and an inspection by an independent mechanic.
2. Books
Image Credit: ZikG at Shutterstock.
The words on the page remain the same in a used book. Readers receive the same story and knowledge from a secondhand copy as from a brand-new edition. Bookstores and online platforms offer massive discounts on pre-owned reading material.
Used book sales generate millions of dollars annually because consumers recognize the immense value. Hardcover editions that are expensive brand new often sell for a fraction of the price at thrift shops. The best part? Many secondhand books look completely untouched.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Hardcover bestsellers, classic novels, and cookbooks.
- Where to Look: Thrift stores, library sales, online marketplaces like ThriftBooks or AbeBooks.
- Pro Tip: Briefly inspect the binding and check for water damage or excessive writing before buying.
3. Textbooks
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
University reading materials carry notoriously high price tags. Students save hundreds of dollars each semester by purchasing secondhand academic materials. Previous owners sometimes leave helpful notes or highlights in the margins.
Data from educational boards reveal that textbook prices outpace inflation regularly. Buying used copies or renting them slashes these expenses drastically. Most students only need these materials for a few months anyway.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Previous editions that are nearly identical to the current one.
- Where to Look: University bookstores (used section), online textbook resellers, campus forums.
- Pro Tip: Compare the ISBN to ensure you’re getting the correct version required for your course.
4. Hand Tools
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.
Hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers last for decades. Older metal tools often feature better craftsmanship than modern plastic versions. Yard sales and estate sales provide vast selections of gently used garage equipment.
Market research shows that secondhand tools sell for a fraction of their retail cost. A quality steel wrench functions perfectly even with a few scratches. Paying full retail price for a basic hand tool wastes money unnecessarily.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Older, all-metal tools from reputable brands like Craftsman or Stanley.
- Where to Look: Garage sales, estate sales, flea markets.
- Pro Tip: Check for excessive rust and test any moving parts. A little surface rust can often be cleaned off easily.
5. Exercise Equipment
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Treadmills and stationary bikes carry huge price tags at sporting goods stores. People frequently purchase fitness machines with good intentions before abandoning them entirely. These items eventually end up on resale marketplaces at massive discounts. Industry statistics reveal that home gym equipment resells for half of the original retail price or less.
Solid cast iron weights never lose their functionality or structural integrity. Buyers acquire commercial-grade fitness gear without paying premium prices.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Free weights (dumbbells, kettlebells), treadmills, and stationary bikes.
- Where to Look: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Play It Again Sports.
- Pro Tip: Test all electronic components and moving parts before you buy. Remember to factor in transportation for large items.
6. Children’s Clothing
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Kids outgrow their outfits rapidly. Purchasing brand-new clothing for growing children drains budgets unnecessarily. Consignment shops and resale platforms feature gently used garments for a fraction of the retail cost. Data shows that the kids’ resale market is projected to reach $12B by 2030, growing faster than adult apparel; parents resell clothes worn only a few times.
Many infant and toddler clothes are worn only a handful of times before they become too small. Secondhand stores are filled with items that look completely brand new. Parents save hundreds of dollars annually by avoiding retail clothing stores.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Outfits for special occasions, winter coats, and everyday basics.
- Where to Look: Consignment stores (like Once Upon A Child), thrift shops, parent groups.
- Pro Tip: Check zippers, snaps, and seams for wear and tear. Always wash used clothes before your child wears them.
7. Office Furniture
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Desks and filing cabinets built for commercial spaces last for many years. Businesses frequently upgrade their workspaces and liquidate perfectly good inventory. Shoppers find sturdy office setups at significant discounts.
Corporate liquidators sell massive wooden desks and ergonomic chairs for pennies on the dollar. A commercial-grade chair provides better lumbar support than cheap retail alternatives. Used office pieces maintain their structural integrity long after the initial purchase.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Ergonomic office chairs, solid wood desks, and metal filing cabinets.
- Where to Look: Office furniture liquidators, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, online marketplaces.
- Pro Tip: Measure your space before shopping and sit in any chair for a few minutes to test its comfort and functionality.
8. Musical Instruments
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Guitars and violins perform beautifully even after years of use. Wooden instruments actually produce better tones as the materials age and settle. Parents of beginners save massive amounts of money by avoiding brand-new instruments.
Retail markups on brass and woodwind instruments reach incredibly high levels. Pawn shops and dedicated music stores offer refurbished models at reasonable rates. Beginning musicians benefit from learning on quality secondhand gear.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Acoustic guitars, violins, and student-model band instruments.
- Where to Look: Local music stores (used section), pawn shops, Reverb.com.
- Pro Tip: If you’re not an expert, ask a knowledgeable friend to inspect the instrument for damage like cracks or warping.
9. Solid Wood Furniture
Image Credit: Radiokafka at Shutterstock.
Hardwood tables and dressers withstand decades of daily use. Antique pieces feature better construction methods than modern particleboard alternatives. Refinishing an older wooden table creates a stunning centerpiece for any room.
Vintage furniture holds its value incredibly well compared to disposable modern pieces. Shoppers find solid oak or mahogany items at estate sales for very little money. A simple coat of paint transforms outdated wooden pieces instantly.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Dressers, tables, and bookshelves made from oak, maple, or mahogany.
- Where to Look: Estate sales, antique shops, consignment stores.
- Pro Tip: Check joints for wobbliness and look for signs of solid wood construction versus thin veneer.
10. Camping Gear
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Tents and sleeping bags cost a premium at outdoor retail stores. Many people try camping once before deciding they prefer hotels. Their lightly used outdoor equipment hits the resale market shortly after. High-quality outdoor brands build their products to withstand extreme conditions.
A used nylon tent performs perfectly as long as the seams remain intact. Buyers save heavily on items they might only use a few weekends a year.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Tents, sleeping bags, and coolers from top brands like Coleman or REI.
- Where to Look: REI Garage Sale, Facebook Marketplace, Geartrade.
- Pro Tip: Set up a tent completely before buying to check for holes or missing parts. Test all zippers on sleeping bags.
11. Large Appliances
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.
Refrigerators and washing machines require significant financial investments when purchased new. Homeowners frequently upgrade their kitchens and sell perfectly functional older models. Used appliance stores offer refurbished units at steep discounts.
Data indicates that appliances lose significant resale value the moment they are installed. A gently used dryer functions the same as a brand new model. Purchasing a three-year-old machine bypasses the retail markup completely.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Washers, dryers, and secondary refrigerators.
- Where to Look: Used appliance stores, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, online marketplaces.
- Pro Tip: Ask for a demonstration to see it run. Many appliance stores offer a short-term warranty.
12. Power Tools
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Drills and circular saws built by reputable brands last through countless projects. Homeowners often buy specialized saws for a single renovation before selling them. Pawn shops feature shelves full of professional-grade power equipment. Contractor quality tools retail for hundreds of dollars each.
Buying these items used allows weekend DIY enthusiasts to afford better brands. A quality secondhand drill outperforms a cheap brand new model every time.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Corded power tools (drills, saws) from brands like DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee.
- Where to Look: Pawn shops, estate sales, online marketplaces.
- Pro Tip: Always plug in a tool to test it. Check the cord for any frays or damage before you buy.
13. Designer Handbags
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.
Luxury fashion accessories carry astronomical retail prices. The resale market offers authenticated designer bags at much lower price points. These items feature premium leather and stitching that hold up for decades.
Consignment shops and specialized online platforms authenticate luxury goods before selling them. Shoppers access high-end fashion houses without paying full retail markups. Classic handbag styles never go out of fashion.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Classic styles from well-known brands like Coach, Louis Vuitton, or Chanel.
- Where to Look: The RealReal, Fashionphile, trusted local consignment boutiques.
- Pro Tip: Buy only from sellers that offer authentication guarantees. Closely inspect stitching, hardware, and logos.
14. Bicycles
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Adults and children frequently abandon cycling hobbies after a few months. Garages across the country hold lightly used bicycles waiting to be sold. Quality frames and gears require very little maintenance to ride smoothly again.
Bicycle depreciation makes buying new models a poor financial decision. A basic tune-up at a local shop restores a used bike to peak condition. Shoppers acquire premium gear sets and lightweight frames for very little cash.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Road bikes, mountain bikes, and cruisers from brands like Trek, Specialized, or Schwinn.
- Where to Look: Local bike shops (used section), online marketplaces, police auctions.
- Pro Tip: Take it for a test ride. Check the brakes and make sure the gears shift without skipping.
15. Pet Crates
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Wire kennels and plastic transport carriers easily withstand daily use. Puppies outgrow their initial training crates in just a few months. Pet owners constantly sell these items online at massive discounts. Pet stores charge a premium for large metal enclosures.
Buying a secondhand crate saves money that can be spent on quality pet food instead. Wire cages are easily sanitized with basic household cleaners.
Smart Scan:
- Best Bet: Metal wire crates and hard-sided plastic carriers.
- Where to Look: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local animal shelter sales.
- Pro Tip: Check all latches and doors to ensure they lock securely. Thoroughly sanitize the crate before use.
Maximizing Your Purchasing Power
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Stop paying retail prices for items that depreciate instantly. Exploring local thrift stores and digital resale platforms keeps more cash in your wallet. A simple cleaning or minor repair is all it takes to restore gently used goods.