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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

Showing 1 response by sdcampbell

sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I agree with the two previous comments, and would add CD/SACD players to the list, since lasers have a finite life.

I think the decision to buy used vs. new also hinges on whether you can get a good discount price on the new item. For example, I was able to buy a Denon DVD-3910 player earlier this year (through an authorized dealer) for about 1/3 off full retail price, which was only a bit more than buying the same unit used.
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