Buy new or buy pre-owned or buy vintage?

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I rarely make these kinds of posts, but I been thinking a lot lately about just this topic, due to a friend of mine.

I'll start.
In general I almost never buy anything new. Now when I got into this hobby, I've bought a lot of new molds and still buying new molds. That is the exception, But it seems everything else, going back 30+ years when I became an adult, I've always looked for a deal on used stuff (Tools, Cars, House, appliances, you name it). One great example, In 1993 when I bought the house (built in 1920) that I now live in, I also bought a used old Olive-green (1970s) clothes washing machine and am still using it, Using it today in fact.

Now my friend, He is same age as me (Gen X'er), he will only buy new. I've never seen him buy a used anything. He makes good money, but is always broke. It just drives me crazy, but it shouldn't, because it's his deal, not mine...but still...

So, I'm curious, is there anyone here that buy only new?

[farmbif]

I prefer old ugly guns, and old ugly machines, but in our show away society and the way things have been manufactured depending on what it is new is the best most economical and sometimes only way to go. a baldor motor from years past can last well into the future most time only needing new bearings and maybe a capacitor or two. but a household appliance from 25 years ago may have given up the ghost long ago.

[foesgth]

Like you I buy experienced stuff. I have never owned a new car. I even got my wife used! She came with two second hand kids.

[rbuck351]

Used if I can find what I want. Some things, like TVs, scopes and computers I buy new because of the advanced tech.

[Finster101]

I'm a mixed bag. If I can get a deal on something I want used I'll buy it, but it has to be really clean. I've bought a couple of things only to realize I bought someone else's problem. I buy new vehicles but I don't have to have a new one every 4 or 5 years. I buy what I like of the best quality I can afford and keep it for a long time. Perhaps your friend who is always broke is a fellow that has to have the latest and greatest even though what he has may not be paid for and still works well. I know some folks like that. They are not my problem.

[Winger Ed.]

My Dad would say, "It's easy to find cheap stuff cheap. It takes some effort to find good stuff cheap'.
With that, I'm a mixed bag too.
I've known a few people that always had to have the newest and best of everything.
And yeah, they're worse than broke. They are always in debt up to their eyeballs.


I had a uncle that as time changed, and his fortunes improved, he only bought new stuff when he needed or wanted something.
One time he said, "I've had old stuff all my life. I want some new things for a change".
But paying for it was not a problem.

[Finster101]

"I had a uncle that as time changed, and his fortunes improved, he only bought new stuff when he needed or wanted something.
One time he said, "I've had old stuff all my life. I want some new things for a change".
But paying for it was not a problem."


This sounds like something my Dad would say. I never saw him in a pair of jeans till I was 23 and just got out of the Army. He said he wore overalls growing up that were sometimes more patch than overall he wouldn't wear them when he could afford something else. He and my Mom worked hard for what they had and fortunately later in life he could have pretty much what ever he wanted but having simple taste and wants that really was not much. I wish I were more like him but wanting cool stuff helps keep me motivated.

[dverna]

It is a mix for me. Price and condition matter. On some items buying used does not make sense. I bought a new LS tractor for less than the cost of used JD or Kubota....I was not paying for a name or color.

I have two F150's one bought new and one used. Doubt I will ever buy another new vehicle.

Still cannot wrap my head around buying old mil-surp bolt actions when very good new guns cost less, shoot better and come in whatever caliber I want.

[Geezer in NH]

Used when I can find what I need priced right.

[Petander]

To me, new does not mean good quality any more.

[375supermag]

Hi...
It all depends on the product.
I like to buy used guns but also buy new.
I generally buy cars a couple of years old depending on the mileage and condition, but have also bought new vehicles.
Electronics always new.
The house I live in now, I had built. The previous homes were all used.

I never buy previously used food.

[Froogal]

To me, new does not mean good quality any more.

BINGO!!! Everything new today is overloaded with electronic doo-dads and gizmos. I refuse to buy any of that stuff.

[James Wisner]

It all depends.
We had our house built in 2007, I do the upkeep on it yet for as long as I am able to.

The Frig died at 62 months, the second one died at 65 months, will see what this new one does.

I drive a 2004 Ford F250, we bought it new, it just rolled 100,000 miles on it.

I make reproduction replacement parts for old guns, its is amazing what we sell, and what I get asked to make

I do buy new, but also if something used that is in good shape comes along I will buy it.

JW

[444ttd]

i'm an x'er too!!!! we are the last generation of picking up the old and worn out junk and turning it into 'new' junk that will outlast us. when i was young, dad went to work and mom stayed home. divorce was rare, went to church on saturday night or sunday morning, had our butts smacked when we were bad, you know when the street light comes on its time to go home.......now mom and dad work, there is a 50% chance for divorce, no church, no discipline, home? whats that?...


i am mix and match. i like the old guns, wood and blue steel. i hate "plastic". i like reloading and most of my stuff was new. truck, used. utv, i bought it new. the drier, washer, stove and fridge have been bought new. tools are mix and match. rifle stocks too. house is built in 1931, so its used.

i guess it depends on if "it" is good.

[Froogal]

I have 1 tractor that is one year older than I, and 2 tractors that are 11 years older. One tractor was not running when I bought it, the other 2 were running very poorly. I made all 3 of them run like new, and I'm sure they will all be still running long after I am gone. I am currently 70 years old.

[woodbutcher]

My current washer and dryer are Maytag brand.Bought as a matched pair by a friend for herself.About 10 years ago she decided to get a new set.She gave me the old set.They are now about 30 years old,The only repairs that have been done to either of them,I replaced the dryer door safety switch just before the ChiCom crud hit.Cost:$30.00
Not bad for 30 years of use.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[country gent]

I am a mix on new or used, I will look at new prices and then the adds online sites and local auction houses or the item. O also on a machine tool not above buying and fixing or rebuilding.

What I really enjoy is hand me downs from family. A few days ago I set up the boring head Grandpa made in my mill and bored several holes. I then deburred and broke the edges with files he had made. Ive got tools Dad made also. When Im using them the "empty chair" in the shop is filled with their memories and spirit. I still have the 1/2" drill chuck with 1/2" shank Dad made me when I started in the trade, and the Federal .0001 test indicator he gave me. It has been used so long there is a flat worn on the ball

[lightman]

I'm a mixed bag. I have bought new and used guns. New and used reloading and casting equipment. New and used cars and trucks. If its used it has to look well cared for.

[screwcutter]

I buy new, I like to watch it fall apart from the beginning!

[bedbugbilly]

Kind of a redundant question . . .I mean , , , , we ALL got into reloading to "save money" . . . so it just makes sense to buy "used" to save money> Ha ha ha!

Personally, I'm a "mixed bag" - most of my mold that I have purchased over the last 55+ years have bee n used - but I have purchased new molds as I like the boolit designs - my presses were all used except one - dies are a mature - same with guns, tools, etc. Many times, the factor for buying used is because there is nothing wrong with the item and if is older - the quality usually seems better than what is made today.