Should I avoid buying anything used?

[DLHDesign]

For my new build, I've picked up 80% of my new electronics used. I don't see the point in getting a new PM1 module (for example) when I can buy a used one for a fraction of the price and have the same result. Anything that requires high maintenance to keep optimal (pumps, skimmers, etc.) or has an expected operational life under 2 years (heaters, bulbs, etc.) I avoid buying used.

I'm looking to save some money and willing to accept some risk of unexpected failure, but there's a limit. That would be my suggestion; determine what level of comfort you have with accepting risk and use that as a guide (assume you won't have warranty coverage for used equipment - sometimes you do, but safer to assume not).

 

[Benoit Martin]

For my new build, I've picked up 80% of my new electronics used. I don't see the point in getting a new PM1 module (for example) when I can buy a used one for a fraction of the price and have the same result. Anything that requires high maintenance to keep optimal (pumps, skimmers, etc.) or has an expected operational life under 2 years (heaters, bulbs, etc.) I avoid buying used.

I'm looking to save some money and willing to accept some risk of unexpected failure, but there's a limit. That would be my suggestion; determine what level of comfort you have with accepting risk and use that as a guide (assume you won't have warranty coverage for used equipment - sometimes you do, but safer to assume not).

Skimmers and pumps were the type of equipment I was worried about. My biggest worry is saving a few bucks by buying used but having to replace with a new unit shortly after which would result in bigger spending instead of saving