There are a very few, specific things I won't buy used. These are those things:
-Linens (These could be bought used and sanitized in really hot water, but it's generally impossible to find matching linens in a thrift store.)
-Mattresses
-Upholstered furniture. Once, on the porch of an old house, I sat down on an upholstered wicker couch, and a few minutes later discovered maggots crawling in the fabric. That's why I will never consider buying used upholstered furniture (though the presence of bed bugs is a much more likely threat, and common in this area.)
-Underthings/unmentionables, for obvious reasons (and they're inexpensive to buy new, anyway).
-Hats. Head lice only survive off the human host for 1-2 days, but nevertheless, I'd rather not. And then there's also the fact that I really don't wear hats.
Everything else- clothes, furniture, books, pets, cars, houses-- I would choose to purchase used rather than new. It's cheaper and less wasteful, and in my opinion, simply more fun to shop for. I also as a rule don't go to shopping malls or department stores, which makes buying new clothing difficult, if not impossible.
What things would you not consider buying used?
