20 things you shouldn't buy used

Buying used can save a ton of money. But, in some cases, you risk paying more for repairs than you would pay to buy new. Worse, sometimes buying used carries health or safety risks.
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VIDEO ON MSN MONEY

25Comments
Jul 3, 2012 9:48AM
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Most of these are common sense items. I've known about them since before the internet came along. Cribs - I would buy a used one AFTER thoroughly checking it out; Make Up - I would want my wife or daughter to buy new; Laptops, tv's, camcorders - buy from a trusted friend or relative that no longer needs it, or buy new; Tires - I've bought numerous used tires in the past 8 years. Two have gone bad on me. The others lasted their "natural" life span; Car seats - again, I would only buy from a trusted friend or relative, otherwise I would buy new; Helmets - same as car seats. These are just common sense items you have to watch closely when buying. It's been that way for years on something like those mentioned in the article. Oh, and mattresses - it's illegal to sell used mattresses in Texas unless they've been refurbished by a company that does that kind of work. You can give them to someone if they want it.
Jul 3, 2012 6:27PM
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You forgot wifes...don't get them used and without a warranty...can be nasty
Jul 3, 2012 3:51PM
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Don't buy any of the Kardasssssian's used underwear.
Jul 3, 2012 2:53PM
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While you shouldn't buy used cribs for your babies it appears that used babies are fine.

 

They are all the rage, especially if from Africa or SE Asia, just ask any celebrity.

Jul 3, 2012 4:53PM
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Toothbrush, dental floss, bandaids, tampons / kotexs, laytex gloves, condums, sox, underwear, preparation H applicators, cotton swabs, blackhead guns, tooth picks, toenail clippers and files, rectal enama bottles, seringes,

Just a few things I never buy used.

Jul 3, 2012 10:40AM
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I think it's retarded to buy new when you can buy used. Often used items are proven to not only be safe, but to be fully operational.

 

Times are tough.....shop smart....And get the hand-me-down baby cloths from brothers & sisters.

Jul 3, 2012 2:48PM
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The best thing that used car seats are good for is taking to a box store running a "turn in" sale.  For instance, Babies R Us frequently runs a 25% off promotion on new car seats if you turn in an old one.  I picked a used one up in a discard pile for free.

They didn't ask any questions, just gave me the discount.

And then they [hopefully] recycle the materials.  Win-win.

Jul 3, 2012 8:37AM
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Used drop side cribs for all my children, easy access to them, but we made sure we put the crib together properly, you are attaching to a head borad and a foot board, and if you do it right, it cannot come lose.
Jul 3, 2012 2:19PM
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You can wash a stuffed animal so it is clean for your child.  Would someone really buy a used animal and NOT wash it first, gross!
Jul 9, 2012 8:15PM
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Yeah and don't buy used novelty toys...
Aug 8, 2012 4:12AM
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Seriously?  Don't buy a used laptop?  What kind of garbage advice is this?  The argument is very poor.  The laptop may break down when you get it home?  Everything you buy used MAY break down when you get it home.  Even a brand new laptop may break down when you get it home!  Do your research when you buy the item.  Inspect it carefully.  Test it thoroughly.  Make sure everything works as it should.  Buy used from a source that will allow you to return the item, or keep the sellers name and number.  Generally people are not out to screw you.  I have an online business and I sell used and refurbished merchandise here in the United States.  I also have a retail store in Costa Rica where I sell all used merchandise, including used laptops.  People love the stuff.  It's half the cost of new and works.  Do your homework when buying used.  Don't let articles such as this ruin the image of used merchandise.  Go to Amazon, go to eBay, find your laptop today!!  Buy used, save some money and enjoy your newly acquired toy. 
Jul 3, 2012 4:41PM
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I have lots of halogen lights, including three floor lamps and two three desk lamps, and have never had a fire.  Halogens only have fire dangers when people do stupid things like drape a scarf over the top of the lamp to make it dimmer, rather than turning it off.  Anything can be hazardous if it is misused.
Jul 3, 2012 6:02PM
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Why arn't used condoms on the list?

 I kid..thats a mormon joke

Jul 3, 2012 8:00PM
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I agree with all these except for the used DVD players - if you limit it to alleged "factory refurbished" models.  Many of these are returns because someone had a change of heart or the wife said, "Take it back!"  For $99 and free shipping, I bought a refurbished $300+ Magnavox dual VHS & DVD player burner with built-in broadcast TV reception ability (even if you get cable, there are GREAT local channels on the x.2, x.3, etc. stations that FIOS, Comcast, Dish, etc. don't carry - I pick up 32 channels in the Baltimore-Washington area with indoor rabbit ears, half that with cable TV).  I used to convert my old family and other VHS's to DVD, which it does very well and easily.  That was in 2010 and it's still fine now - especially with reusable DVDs.
Jul 3, 2012 6:04PM
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My wife came used...

 

Also a mormon joke

Jul 3, 2012 2:17PM
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i've got over 2 dz pair of high end shoes- cole haan, louboutin, even manolo. i just look for minimal sole wear, try them on with footies, then take them home, douse them with lysol, stuff with tissue and strut my $10 bargains 
Jul 9, 2012 5:39PM
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some of the things mentioned should be giving free if you give you will receive
Jul 3, 2012 5:44PM
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truthhurts402, those are the things i buy, thanks for the tips.
Jul 3, 2012 7:10PM
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I think I saw this last year. Re-hashing old "articles", MSN?
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