(ThyBlackMan.com) If you’re on a budget, it becomes second nature to look for the cheapest option for items you need to buy. After all, why buy new clothes when you can thrift, for example, or why go for that fancy three-ply toilet paper when one-ply suits your purposes just fine? There are plenty of ways to be frugal and save on your daily expenses. However, there are some items that you just shouldn’t skimp on. Here’s our list of investment items that you should consider buying new rather than used.
Computers and other technology
Technology is constantly undergoing upgrades. In most cases, it’s a good idea to invest in a brand new laptop and other tech devices because they can become practically obsolete in as little as a few months if you buy a refurbished or older model.
Especially when it comes to laptops, it pays to buy new. Often, a new laptop will come with a warranty that may already be used up if you buy refurbished or used. Plus, the technology difference and speed of just a few years of technology innovation make a huge difference in the enjoyment of your computer. It’s not worth paying less for a slower, less efficient piece of technology just to save a few bucks.
Cars
A car is important, it’s what keeps you safe on the roads, your ticket to fantastic road trips, and for many people, how you get to work every day. An older car is likely cheaper, of course, but it comes with some serious drawbacks. For example, you may not be aware of any past accidents or mechanical issues your used car has – especially if you buy from a shady character who takes great pains to mask the car’s past.
In addition, new cars also have tons of advanced safety features that older cars simply don’t have. Those safety features could make a huge impact on the enjoyment and comfort of your car. We recommend checking out your local dealer, whether that means you’re going to look at new Audi cars in Plano, Texas or checking out VWs in Portland, Oregon.
Car seat
If you have a family, your children’s safety is your top priority. That old beater you have held onto since college might have seemed like a brilliant choice before you had kids but now, it seems like an unnecessary danger. One parallel issue related to cars is the car seat you choose for your child. You might be tempted to invest in a used car seat, but it’s highly advised that you don’t do this.
For one, you cannot verify whether the car seat has been involved in an accident and therefore has lost its effectiveness. In addition, car seat regulations, laws, and technology change rapidly. If you buy an older model, it may not have the up-to-date safety requirements.
Exercise equipment
Are you a gym rat? Find yourself looking forward to yoga or your daily run as soon as you wake up? If that sounds like you, you might be tempted to create your own home gym. Before you fire up your workout app and don your favorite workout outfit, it’s important to outfit your space with the right equipment.
With that said, we strongly recommend against buying used exercise equipment. Older exercise equipment could harbor dangers like failing to meet modern safety regulations.
Bike helmets
Did you know that bike helmets have an expiration date? Typically, these last 2-3 years before you need to consider looking for a new one. If you make the mistake of buying a used helmet, you’re risking using outdated materials and technology to protect the most important part of your body: your brain. There are tons of cool new helmet technology features out there, from GPS tracking to crash alerts, so why risk your brain to an inferior product that has an unknown expiration date? Just don’t do it.
Conclusion
We understand that modern life is full of expenses. There are bills to pay along with student loan payments and tons of other adult responsibilities to attend to. But that doesn’t mean that buying used is always the right decision. In some cases, buying a used version of a product will be cheap upfront but end up costing you in the long run. By following these tips, you’ll be in good shape to make smart purchasing decisions.
Staff Writer; Paul Short