20 Things You Should Never Buy Used

I think cribs are fine.   I bought a new mattress for our used crib.

21. panties

I disagree with everything in the list except helmets, makeup and mattresses.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skimommy 

I think cribs are fine.   I bought a new mattress for our used crib.

I agree.  My dd's crib was used and she's still alive.

Here's the ones I agree with:

Child Car Seats

Helmets

Software

Pet Foods and Treats

Matresses

1. Cribs - I would buy a used crib and get a new mattress. I'm pretty aware of what to look for in terms of safety on a crib.
2. Child Car Seats - Not as our primary car seat, but I have bought used car seats to have "for just in case" like if we have an extra kid in the car or to give to someone who is babysitting my child. Again, I know what to look for. I especially liked when I could get a used version of the car seat I already own.
3. Helmets - I probably wouldn't buy a use one, especially not a motorcycle helmet but children's helmets are really hard to come by and usually the only thing wrong with them is that they are out-grown. Since they are so expensive new, I'd consider a used one that looks new and undamaged.
4. Laptops - I don't buy used or refurbished electronics - ever.
5. Video Cameras - same as #4
6. Mattresses - nope, I can't bring myself to buy a used mattress. This is one area where the 'ick-factor' over-rides.
7. Shoes - I've bought lots of used shoes, especially expensive boots, and never had a problem.
8. Makeup - nope. I don't know why people even try to sell make-up and toiletries used. If I have a product like that I'll put it in the free pile.
9. Plasma TVs and HDTVs - nope, again #4
10. Hats - I know people who buy all sorts of used hats, usually vintage. Personally, I don't see myself buy many HATS new or used so if I ever wanted one, I'd buy new.
11. Swimsuits - along with underwear, nope.
12. Vacuum Cleaners - I would buy a used but almost new vacuum cleaner
13. Tires - I wouldn't buy used tires from a private person but many states allow tire stores to sell used tires and if I was in need for inexpensive tires and couldn't afford new ones right now, I'd definitely buy a used one. It is safer to drive on a better used tire than risk driving with the tires on your car that are about to fall apart.
14. Software - This is a buyer-be-ware situation. Hubby loves playing with used software. Also here is a money saving tip ... let's say you need an expensive software package like an accounting or a desktop publishing package. Buy an older version of the package inexpensively, install it then buy the upgrade. Usually the upgrade is much cheaper than buying the complete latest edition of the software.
15. DVD Players - nope, #4 again.
16. Stuffed Animals - I know volunteer groups that use stuffed animals for various projects. I prefer stuffed animals to be donated to those groups.
17. Halogen Lamps - I'm not in the market for a halogen lamp - new or used.
18. Blenders - Tiny bits of hidden food? That would be the same for any blender I buy and use just once. Depending on the blender - and my budget - I might.
19. Costume Jewelry - Depends on why I want it. I think this falls into the "vintage" category.
20. Pet Foods and Treats - Like make-up and toiletries, I don't even know why people try to sell these things used.

I agree with most of them.

My crib was used but was from a friend so I did not worry about it.

Car seats I have always bought new they do have experation dates the plastic can degrade over time in the sun.
 

Here's the list (explanations are in article)

1. Cribs- We got both of our cribs used.  One was a hand me down from my brother's kids and the other we bought at a consignment store where they made sure it was up to current safety laws.  Both of my kids did fine and I passed the cribs along to other families when I was done with them.  I did buy new mattresses for both cribs.
2. Child Car Seats- Our infant seats were also hand me down from my brothers twins. I only took them because I knew they hadn't been in an accident.  Otherwise, I would have bought new on these.
3. Helmets- Agree
4. Laptops- We've had one used laptop.   It worked great for a full year until my husband plugged it in with the wrong power cord and blew it up.  That was his fault, not the fact that it was used.
5. Video Cameras- We have also had two used video cameras.  One of my brothers loves to get the newest electronic gadgets and then sells us his lightly used stuff for a good deal.
6. Mattresses-  Agree
7. Shoes- My kids have had lots of shoes that were barely worn and I had no problem selling them.  If I could find the same situation and buy barely used shoes, I would.
8. Makeup- Agree
9. Plasma TVs and HDTVs-  We don't have a plasma tv but our current family room tv was purchased from a neighbor who was downsizing.  It has worked great for almost 6 years.
10. Hats- Agree
11. Swimsuits-Agree, although I've given my kids hand me down bathing suits to a friend who is glad to get them.
12. Vacuum Cleaners- No real opinion
13. Tires- I bought used tires several times when I was in college.  There was a used tire place and I got good solid tires there at least twice.  I was able to get 4 tired put on my car for under $100.  That was the only way I could afford them back then.
14. Software- No, buy new. 
15. DVD Players- We bought a used portable dvd player for a vacation one time.  It worked great and I got a good deal on it.
16. Stuffed Animals- I hate stuffed animals so I don't buy them new or used.  LOL!
17. Halogen Lamps- No these are a fire and burn danger and I don't like them.
18. Blenders-  My current blender was second hand.  I bought from a couple who got a few for their wedding and they were selling them.  It works great and I love it.
19. Costume Jewelry- As long as it isn't earrings, I'm fine with it.  I guess it could have lead or something bad in it but so can the stuff at Claires.
20. Pet Foods and Treats-  My dog has such a sensitive stomach that I can only buy her one or two brands of food anyhow so this doesn't matter for us.

My kids cribs were used.  A couple of the car seats were used, but I obtained them from someone I know.  My grandmother passes along dog food and treats that her dog doesn't like.