8 Things You Don’t Need to Buy New

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If your goal is to save money, don’t always buy things new. Buying those 8 used items will not only meet your needs but also save you money.

1. Cars

People love to drive new cars, but the value of a new car drops as soon as you drive it off the dealer’s lot. A new car with only basic features probably costs more than a used one that’s a few years old but still with the needed features. Visit your local used car stores such as Carmax or online stores such as Carvana.com, you may find something like a diamond in the rough for a used car.

[Read more: How to Save Money on Car Costs: 12 Practical Tips]

2. Boats, RV and Motorcycles

The same logic with buying a used car can apply to the purchase of any other vehicles such as boats, RVs, and motorcycles since they depreciate over time.

3. Books

A well-stocked home library makes you look smart. But you don’t need to stack all the new books on the shelf. Check out the local book sales. Most of the time you will find used books which are in a good condition but cost much less than the new one. You can also borrow books from a public library.

4. Movies DVDs

A newly released movie DVD can cost $10-$20. If you can wait for a little longer, you can get a used disc at a much less price. You can also stream movies on Kanopy with your public library card or university login.

[Read more: Top 4 Tips on How to Stop Wasting Money]

5. Sporting Goods

A home gym can cost you a fortune if you buy everything new. Especially those weights and kettlebells, they are sturdy and can last for a long time. It doesn’t make sense if you can get used ones for a fraction of the price. Look out for some used sporting goods in good quality through yard sales, thrift stores, and Craigslist.

6. Musical Instruments

Many parents buy a new musical instrument for their kids when they first started to learn those instruments. But kids change their interests all the time, so it is better to rent musical instruments at first and let kids try out to see whether they like it or not. If they like it, you can buy that used one you have rented as long as its condition is still good.

7. Furniture

Don’t buy new furniture. The value of new furniture depreciates much faster than you think. Check out moving sale, consignment store, or Craigslist for gently used furniture. Even with some used furniture, you can add your own touch to it by painting a new color.

8. Tools

Home do-it-yourself (DIY) projects need the right tools, but you don’t need to purchase all the tools brand new. Check out Craigslist for used tools like hammers, saws, wrenches, or borrow some from your neighbors.

There are many things out there that can save you a lot of money if you buy second-hand. Just keep your options open. Ultimately it is a personal choice on whether to buy new or used.