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Buying used when you should have bought new...

Some time ago I bought an item off Audiogon. I personally picked up the item. The price was right and the item was as described. Deal done. No problems with the seller.

The item lasted a few months before it started to act up. It needed repair. It had no warranty so I searched for a retail dealer to get the item fixed. I found a dealer, but they refused to service the item because it was not purchased through them. Ok, I searched for a repair shop which was tough, but I found one of high reputation that knew what they were doing.

I picked up the item today and it sounds great.

However, after what I paid the seller and then what I paid for repair, I could have almost purchased the item new for a couple more bucks.

What items, if any, should be bought new, if possible, and what items can be bought used to be safe? Is there a guideline of some kind?
matchstikman
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I always lean to buy new for the fair price.
Phono carts I only buy new.
Tube gear is simple to troubleshoot so I can buy it used.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
...btw I would add motorcycle to buy-new list.
mitch2
4,376 posts
 
As mentioned above, used equipment should average about 50% or less of the retail price, while new equipment can often be found for 80-90% of retail. Therefore your savings from buying used should generally be about 40% off retail. One thing not mentioned yet is the added cost associated with buying used items you have not auditioned, then finding they do not work in your system. Sometimes you can break even when reselling them, but other times you will be down at least the shipping costs, unless you can afford to wait for the right buyer. If you like the cost savings from buying used, there are ways to reduce the risks, such as buying from reputable sellers (good feedback or dealer demos), buying more recently made equipment (which should not have significant wear or parts failure problems), and buying from still-active manufacturers who offer repair (and possibly upgrade) service on their equipment. Your example of using an item for a "few months" before it started acting up is unusual, and indicates the piece was probably working fine for the previous owner. Sounds like simply some bad luck on your part. I wouldn't give up on purchasing used, but you have to decide your own comfort level.
glenfihi
525 posts
 
My first rule is to buy the best stuff, from the best places at the best price you can get. Then if you have a problem it won't be a problem to get it resolved. As the saying goes "The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten." My second rule, if buying used the feedback rating is the most important thing. Yours or their integrity or feedback is everything. Buying from a good seller can introduce oneself to a much higher level of gear than you might be able to afford otherwise. I would tend to buy gear new that has wear items in it such as tape transports,cd players etc. They can often be found at the best discounts. Used from a high feedback seller for pre-amps,amps and speakers and such. And whatever you buy, obtain items that are not older than five years old. Time can affect anything for the worse.
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