Pre-Owned Perfection

So, I've been studying up on the freegans and thinking about the great response to my urban foraging expedition. Used stuff is all the rage, no? I ran across this article that talks about what's O.K. to buy used.

I bought my car used about three years ago, and it's been a dream. I was able to getting a higher level car than I could afford to buy if I bought new. The car was certified pre-owned and two years old. Now mind you, I bought the car in early 2005 before Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma came around. You have to be careful with the car's history. My friend bought a used Land Rover and it's giving her hell. It had a lot of electrical problems. I hope it's not a hurricane car.

I clothes swap with my friends, too. That's not buying used, it's just wearing used goods. Honestly, I don't really go to thrift stores. Why pay when I can swap with the homies?

Looking at the list of things that you should buy used, I agree with most of them. But I am not so sure about used kiddie toys. I would be worried that there was a recall I didn't know about. I bet I would be a worry wart for a parent. 

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Comments

[Product Junkie Diva]

I am not one for used goods, in college I didn't even buy used books, they had to be new. Just a personal issue I guess. I am the gal in elementary school that thought want too much about which classmates potentially had koodies.
But for those who are into I can not knock it because it is a great way to save money.

[Coco]

I like consignment store clothes. I know a few places with great designer stuff (if I can get back to a size 4) that I would never buy at full price. Skinny rich women throw away the nicest things.

For toys, there are websites where you can check recalls for just about anything. Anyhow, I never owned a bike helmet and I'm sure a good % of my childhood toys posed choking hazards. I turned out fine...I think.

[chic not cheap]

I do not have the luxury of being able to have all new things and I don't really see the point of it either. I love consignment stores and thrift stores mainly because you never know what you are going to find and if you find some treasure, there is almost no chance someone else will be wearing the dress you found at a party.
I read a lot but find most of what I read is not something I need to reference again so I rarely purchase new books. I also still have a valid library card.
I like the idea of swapping goods with people. It's a sound practice environmentally and economically.
I found this quote in the A Confederacy of Dunces that made me smile:
"Posession of anything new or expensive only reflected a person's lack of theology and geometry; it could even cast doubts on one's soul."