17 Items You Should Never Ever Buy Used

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Shopping secondhand can be a treasure hunt full of surprises and savings.

But not every item is a hidden gem. Some things might be unsafe or less economical in the long run.

Knowing what to avoid buying used can help you save money and steer clear of potential health or safety risks.

But what things should you avoid at all costs? Here are 17 items you never want to buy used.

1. Mattresses

When it comes to buying a mattress, going secondhand is not a wise choice.

Used mattresses can hide unwanted guests like bed bugs and allergens. These pests are hard to detect and can cause a lot of trouble once they invade your home.

Over time, a mattress loses its support and comfort.

This is especially true for used ones. A mattress that seems fine on the surface might have worn out springs or padding that won’t give you a good night’s sleep.

Another concern is the cleanliness factor.

Even if a mattress looks clean, it might still have stains and odors absorbed over the years.

These are often difficult to remove and can make your sleeping environment less pleasant.

Investing in a new mattress ensures you get proper support, hygiene, and a fresh start for many restful nights.

It’s an important purchase that directly impacts your health and well-being.

2. Laptops

Buying used laptops can be risky. You might save some money, but you could end up with a device that has hidden problems.

Battery life is often a major issue. Over time, batteries degrade and stop holding a charge well.

This might mean you’ll have to spend extra money replacing it sooner than you’d expect.

Another concern is warranty protection. Many warranties only apply to the original buyer.

If you buy secondhand, you might be out of luck if something goes wrong. Without warranty coverage, repairs can get expensive.

You should also consider possible security risks. Used laptops can have unwanted software or malware left behind by previous owners.

They might not be as secure as a new model. Regular updates and security patches are important, and older laptops might not support the latest versions, leaving you potentially vulnerable to threats.

3. Cribs

Buying a used crib might seem like a great way to save money, but it comes with risks that aren’t worth taking.

Safety standards for cribs change over time, and a secondhand crib might not meet the latest guidelines.

Older cribs could have missing parts or be subject to recalls that the seller might not know about. This can lead to unsafe conditions for your baby.

Additionally, older cribs may have hidden dangers, like loose screws or splinters.

These issues could go unnoticed until it’s too late. Your baby’s safety is important, so getting a new crib is the best option.

4. Car Seats

You should always be careful when it comes to buying car seats secondhand.

Your little one’s safety is the top priority, and used seats might not be the best choice for that.

Car seats can be damaged in ways you can’t see. They might have been in accidents or exposed to harsh conditions. This could make them less reliable when you need them most.

Car seats have an expiration date. Materials can break down over time, making them less effective.

It’s important to use a seat that meets current safety standards. A new car seat ensures that your child is protected as well as possible.

5. Bicycle Helmets

You should never buy a used bicycle helmet. Helmets are designed to protect your head during a crash, and they’re only reliable for one impact.

After taking a hit, a helmet loses its protective features, even if it looks fine on the outside.

Additionally, you can’t be sure of a helmet’s history. There’s no way to tell if it has already been involved in an accident just by looking at it.

A safer option is to invest in a new helmet, ensuring it meets the latest safety standards.

Choosing a new helmet guarantees better protection for your head. Safety is essential when riding a bike, and a reliable helmet is a crucial part of that.

Your health and well-being should always come first, so spending a little extra on a new helmet is worth it.

6. Non-stick Cookware

When you think about non-stick cookware, think safety first. Many older non-stick pans use Teflon, which can release harmful chemicals if overheated.

This makes using these pans a bit risky, especially if you don’t know their history.

At thrift stores, it’s hard to know how non-stick cookware has been treated. It might be scratched or damaged, which can make it even more likely to release toxins when you cook.

Newer non-stick pans are often safer because they use alternative coatings.

These newer options are less likely to pose risks, so it’s better to buy them fresh.

7. Wet Suits

Buying a used wetsuit might seem like a good deal. Many people look for ways to save money on expensive items like wetsuits.

There are some things you should think about before making this choice.

Wetsuits are made of neoprene, which can wear out over time. A used wetsuit might not keep you warm in the water because the neoprene can get thin or stiff.

Hygiene is also a concern. Wetsuits are close-fitting and can trap sweat and other body fluids.

You don’t want to worry about germs or odors that might be hard to remove.

When you buy new, you get a suit that fits well and performs as it should.

You can trust that it will keep you comfortable during your water adventures.

8. Climbing Ropes

When it comes to climbing ropes, safety is key. You should always go for a new one. Used ropes might have hidden damage that you can’t see just by looking.

A rope can be weakened by falls, sunlight, or even improper storage.

Even if it looks good, it might not be strong enough to trust your life with.

Since ropes are crucial for your safety during a climb, it’s best to invest in a new one.

Getting a rope with a known history gives you peace of mind, ensuring it’s reliable and safe.

9. Vacuum Cleaners

When you’re looking for a bargain, buying a used vacuum cleaner might seem like a good idea.

Used vacuums can come with hidden dust and allergens from the previous owner.

It’s like bringing someone else’s dirt into your home. Just imagine the sneezes!

Used vacuums might not work as well. Parts can get worn out, leading to poor performance.

If you’re going to spend money, you might as well get something that works like new.

Saving a bit more for a new vacuum could keep your home cleaner and healthier.

10. Television Sets

Buying a used television set might seem like a great way to save some cash, but it can be risky. Older TVs can have hidden problems that aren’t easy to spot right away.

These problems might include fuzzy images or poor sound quality.

Used TVs often lack updated features that come with new models.

This means you might miss out on advanced technology like smart TV capabilities or the latest HDMI ports.

There is also a chance the screen has been damaged, with issues such as screen burn or dead pixels appearing later. This can significantly affect your viewing experience.

It’s also possible that warranties and customer support might not be available for secondhand TVs.

Investing in a new television set can give you peace of mind and a better entertainment experience.

11. Smartphones

Buying a used smartphone might seem like a great way to save some money, but it can be risky.

You never know what kind of wear and tear the previous owner put the phone through.

Smartphones can have hidden problems. For example, the battery might not hold a charge as well anymore.

There might also be damage to the screen or internal components.

Sometimes, used phones have old software or may not be able to get the latest updates.

This can make them less secure. Also, you might get a phone that’s locked to a specific carrier, which can limit how you use it.

It’s better to buy a new smartphone to ensure it meets your needs and works properly.

This way, you get all the benefits of a warranty and customer support, making your phone experience smoother and safer.

12. Blenders

Buying a used blender might save you some money at first. Yet, it might not blend as smoothly as you’d hope.

The blades can become dull over time, making them less effective at chopping or pureeing ingredients.

Blenders also have motors that wear down with regular use.

A worn-out motor might not perform well, especially with tougher foods like nuts or ice.

Additionally, cleanliness can be a concern. It’s challenging to clean every little part of a blender, and leftover food particles might remain.

Investing in a new blender ensures a longer lifespan and top performance.

13. Electric Toothbrushes

You might think about grabbing a used electric toothbrush to save a few bucks, but think twice.

These devices are tricky to clean completely. You won’t really know the brush’s history, which can lead to hygiene issues.

Electric toothbrushes have parts that wear down over time, like batteries and brush heads.

When buying used, you might have to deal with poor battery life or worn-out parts. Choosing a new one ensures everything is in top shape.

New electric toothbrushes often come with features like timers and multiple brushing modes.

These benefits might be missing if you buy used. By choosing new, you get the latest technology and a fresh start for your dental health.

14. Bedding

Buying used bedding might save you money, but it’s not worth the risk. Bedding can easily harbor bed bugs, dust mites, and other unwanted guests.

These pests are tiny and can go unnoticed until you find yourself dealing with an infestation.

There’s also the concern of hygiene. Used bedding may contain bacteria, stains, or odors. You never truly know where it has been or how it was cared for.

This makes it tricky to ensure it’s completely clean, even after washing.

New bedding is a safer choice, giving you peace of mind about its cleanliness. Plus, slipping into fresh, clean sheets feels amazing, like treating yourself to a little luxury every night.

Buying new means no surprises—just sweet dreams.

15. Shoes

Buying used shoes might seem like a good way to save money, but it’s not always the best idea. Shoes often mold to the feet of their original owners, which can make them uncomfortable for you.

Wearing shoes that don’t fit well can lead to foot pain or problems later on.

Moreover, used shoes can carry bacteria or fungi from the previous owner.

Cleaning them thoroughly might not be enough to remove these germs completely. It’s better to invest in a new pair to ensure your feet stay healthy and comfortable.

When you buy new shoes, you also get the benefit of proper support.

A well-fitting shoe provides good arch support, which is important for your overall foot health. So, consider getting yourself a pair that’s just right for you.

16. Cosmetics

When it comes to cosmetics, buying used is a big no-no. These items are very personal and can harbor bacteria.

Used makeup can lead to infections or skin issues.

It’s always better to purchase new to ensure safety.

Lipsticks, eyeliners, and mascaras are particularly risky.

They can easily transfer bacteria and cause eye infections or skin irritations.

Sticking to new products helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant.

You deserve makeup that’s fresh and safe.

17. Underwear

When thinking about buying underwear, it’s best to choose brand new.

Used underwear can be unsanitary and risky for your health. This is because underwear is in close contact with your skin.

Even if it looks clean, used underwear might carry germs and bacteria.

Washing can’t always guarantee cleanliness. Everyone wants to feel safe and comfortable with what they’re wearing.

Besides hygiene, worn underwear may be less comfortable.

The fabric may be stretched out or worn in spots. New underwear gives you a perfect fit and peace of mind.

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