5 Items You Should Buy Used

Find out which products are just as good as new, even when they're used.

1. Golf Clubs
Sure, it may feel nice to hit the links with shiny new clubs. But pro shops also stock "preowned" sets at up to 50% off. You can get 10-point inspections, 90-day buyback guarantees -- even free head covers. Chances are the clubs will be well maintained; they're hard to damage (unless you're buying from a duffer with a temper). Find out what clubs are worth at valueguide.pga.com. Then shop around. You can find great deals, such as Big Bertha 2004 irons at callawaygolfpreowned.com from as low as $400, versus $760 for a new set.

2. Home Gyms
Also known as extremely expensive clothes hangers, since many are used only a few times. But even if they got a constant workout, high-end modern models are so finely constructed -- with industrial strength cables and multi-year or even lifetime warranties -- that you'll get terrific merchandise at bargain prices. "Lots of sites that sell new stuff have a used section as well," notes Hillary Mendelsohn, author of shopping guide thepurplebook.com . Try gymcor.com, where we found a remanufactured StairMaster for $1,545, down from $2,999 -- with free shipping thrown in.

3. Designer Accessories
You can find fabulous discounts on scarves, bags and much more by going preowned. Even luxury items from Prada, Ferragamo or Gucci are "insanely priced," says Mendelsohn. At luxuryvintage.com we found a $980 white Gucci shoulder sac for $449. Just watch out for fakes. And make sure you secure authenticity guarantees and know return policies. A neat twist: You can borrow the trendiest handbags for as low as $19.95 a month at the hot new site bagborroworsteal.com.

4. Hand Tools
Hammers, wrenches and the like are built to withstand a torrent of abuse. Power tools can be trickier. To be on the safe side, check out factory-reconditioned tools, like those from top manufacturer Bosch, at bosch.cpotools.com/reconditioned. You can get anything from a circular saw to belt sander at 20-30% off retail.

5. Musical Instruments
Unless you're a legitimate musical god like Joe Perry of Aerosmith, your old guitar probably doesn't get a whole lot of use. That's exactly why secondhand instruments can be such a bargain. You can find violins, pianos, banjos and more at musiciansbuyline.com.

Also buy used: Boats, books, camera lenses, furniture, DVDs and estate jewelry.

From Reader's Digest - June 2005

 

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