8 things you should always buy secondhand

8 things you should always buy secondhand

Buying secondhand isn’t only about saving money—it’s also about getting quality items that still have years of use left in them. Some things hold up so well that paying full price doesn’t make sense, while others are simply smarter to buy pre-owned because they’re everywhere at a fraction of retail. With a little patience, you can find items that fit your needs without sacrificing quality. Here are ten things worth picking up secondhand that will save you money while holding their value.

Furniture

Sturdy wood furniture can last for decades, especially if it’s solid rather than particle board. Tables, chairs, and dressers often show up in thrift stores or online marketplaces in excellent condition. A little sanding or refinishing can make them look brand new.

Buying secondhand also lets you skip the inflated prices of new furniture that often isn’t built to last. Older pieces usually have stronger craftsmanship, and you’ll spend a fraction of what you would at a furniture showroom.

Books

Secondhand bookstores and thrift shops are filled with titles for a dollar or two. You can stock up on novels, cookbooks, or children’s books without blowing through your budget. Many are barely used, especially when people donate after a single read.

Since books don’t lose their function over time, there’s no downside to buying them used. Passing them along later, whether by donation or resale, keeps the cycle going and saves even more people money.

Tools

Hand tools are built to withstand years of use, and many power tools can be repaired or maintained easily. Buying secondhand tools often means you’re getting professional-grade quality at an affordable price.

Check garage sales, estate sales, or pawn shops for bargains. As long as you test them out first, you can build a reliable tool collection without spending retail prices at hardware stores.

Sports Equipment

Kids grow fast, which means sports gear like cleats, pads, and bats often get barely used before being outgrown. Buying secondhand keeps costs down while still giving you equipment in great condition.

Even adult equipment, like golf clubs or weights, is often resold when someone loses interest in a hobby. That’s your chance to grab gear that would normally cost hundreds for a fraction of the price.

Clothing

Secondhand clothing, especially from thrift stores or consignment shops, can save you a fortune. Many items still have tags on them because someone bought the wrong size or never wore it.

It’s especially smart for kids’ clothes, since they grow out of things quickly. For adults, secondhand shopping is a way to upgrade your wardrobe without paying retail. Quality brands hold up well, and you’ll pay a fraction of the original cost.

Vehicles

Cars lose value the second they leave the dealership, which makes buying new one of the fastest ways to burn money. A well-maintained used car, however, can last many years without the steep depreciation.

Certified pre-owned vehicles add peace of mind with warranties. Even without that, getting a mechanic to inspect a used car before purchase can save you thousands over buying brand new.

Musical Instruments

Instruments like guitars, keyboards, and drum sets are often sold secondhand when people stop playing. Since many of these were lightly used, you can get high-quality gear without paying retail.

Music stores often sell trade-ins at discounted prices, and online marketplaces are full of affordable options. Buying used is especially smart for beginners who may not stick with an instrument long term.

Baby Gear

Babies outgrow items like strollers, swings, and high chairs quickly, which means many of them get resold in excellent condition. Buying secondhand for big-ticket baby gear saves a significant amount of money.

You’ll want to double-check safety standards, especially for car seats, which should be bought new. But for most other items, secondhand is the smartest way to go since they’re often gently used.

Home Décor

Wall art, lamps, mirrors, and seasonal decorations show up in secondhand shops all the time. Since décor items are rarely handled much, they often look brand new.

Thrifted décor lets you refresh your space without paying high retail prices. You can mix and match pieces to fit your style while saving money for the things that actually need to be bought new.

Exercise Equipment

Treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights are notorious for ending up unused in people’s homes. Buying them secondhand lets you take advantage of that.

As long as you check that the equipment is in working condition, you can get a nearly new machine for a fraction of retail. It’s one of the best categories to buy used because so many people give up on home workouts.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.