Would you rather....

[zkling]

Simple, fun poll, feel free to elaborate if you like.

 

[JoeyMitch]

Half the price needing work. I'm talking like engines or yard equipment. Tools go the other way for me.

 

[gsmornot]

Most of what I buy I do so because I need it so I went with option 1. I don't mind restoration but could not say I look for it on purpose.

 

[TwoInch]

depends completely on what the subject is.

 

[zkling]

depends completely on what the subject is.

Just in general, things made of metal.

Tools, tool boxes, machines, cars, boats, motorcycles, trailers, etc. Things one might find in a garage.

 

[bford]

I usually buy something that is needing work (cars/motorcycles) and fix em up myself because I like projects, but it really depends...I try to see if it is cost effective to do so since I don't have money to burn. Tools and such I usually by new since I usually buy them cuz I need em' - besided the ones i get from garage sales.

 

[davesnothere]

I prefer to buy items in great used condition for half of fair market value.

 

[Outlawmws]

I prefer to buy items in great used condition for half of fair market value.

on thiss^^^

You didn't put in enough choices!

 

[zkling]

You didn't put in enough choices!

It was on purpose to exclude those super humans, such as yourself, that seem to be magnetically attracted to the crazy good deals. All the time

I was just trying to see what % of folks on here enjoy spending time to fix something, or like to put out the cash initially and have something ready to use. I can't remember the last time I bought a used engine that ran or something that didn't need to be fixed / cleaned / other before being put into service.

 

[hofferwood]

I buy junk

Then------

 

[zkling]

I buy junk

My kind of person. Beautiful job on that ratchet.

 

[hofferwood]

Thanks

 

[ajchien]

Half the price needing work ... sometimes turns out to be close to ... List price new when I get done with it. :/

 

[2oolhound]

It depends on how the item fits my skill set and budget.

There's a point where when something is so far gone you're further ahead buying a brand new one than spending time and money fixing a beat up one. However most the time I buy fixer uppers to save some money and keep it affordable. That way I can buy twice as much stuff and justify buying the extra tools and materials I need to fix them.

 

[Trucky]

Brand new if I can afford it, hopefully at a discount or through a wholesale outlet sort of deal.

But preferably used in good condition at the normal price.

I'm a big fan of "you get what you pay for".

 

[Steevo]

It depends on what the "something" is.
I enjoy finding a super bargain on a perfectly good tool that only needs to be disassembled, cleaned, lubed and put back to work.
I like finding rebuild-able machines like garden tractors that I can buy for nothing and restore.
With vehicles, I prefer to find those gems that were well cared for, properly maintained, and driven less than average miles, selling at the low end of their price range.

 

[sberry]

I would just as soon have all new, only reason I have and do this is that I got to.

 

[cgv69]

depends completely on what the subject is.

I agree with this /\ but if I had to pick one answer, I'd say I'd rather buy something gently used at a fair price.

I have bought stuff like machinery at dirt cheap prices and then rebuilt them to like new condition. Sure it was fun and I enjoyed the work and cost savings but I have limited amount of time to do stuff and I'd rather spend that time using the tools I have to make something rather then rebuilding tools. If I was retired or had a lot of time on my hands, I'd might feel differently about it.

 

[EOC_Jason]

depends completely on what the subject is.

^^^ Same. Though usually I'll go with the first option (good condition, fair price)... Life is too short to have to fiddle fart with something forever to get back into good working condition.

Unless it's something that I don't need to use right away, and it's a significant savings, and can be repaired properly and cheap, then I'll go for the beat to hell / half off thing...

 

[BMW Rider]

If it needs work and I need it to do work, it'd have to be less than half the price or would have to be some kind of rare or special. I'd rather spend more and have it ready to use.

That's not to say I would avoid an interesting deal on a project item.

 

[Jolomite]

It depends on what the "something" is.
I enjoy finding a super bargain on a perfectly good tool that only needs to be disassembled, cleaned, lubed and put back to work.

I am with Steevo and Hofferwood. I can't pass on a deal for a tool that needs a quick scrub and new lube. However, I tend to jump at too many of these offers and find that I don't have the time to put things into proper order before they pile up. That's my problem of not knowing when to say 'no' for the sake of keeping my space clean.

Lately, I've been trying to be more choosy, especially when it comes with hand tools. I just get mad when I spend a few hours trying to put lipstick on a pig and am not satisfied with the results. Sometimes spending a few more bucks is worth it.

 

['52Chevy]

I didn't vote, it depends on the item, and a little on my skill level. A project is always fun, but if its something you need then it can be better to have it ready.

 

[roadracer97]

half the price needing work. just becuase i am cheap

 

[NC-Fordguy]

My kind of person. Beautiful job on that ratchet.

x2........

What was your process in restoring that??

Awesome!!!

 

[softailgarage]

It really depends on what it is. I love to save a buck and I love fixing things up, but sometimes it's nice to buy something and be able to play/work with it right away.

 

[crewchief888]

i'm voting for the combo platter

great condition, at a screaming deal price !!

i rarely buy new hand tools, most of my new tool purchases are powertools i need, most of the time i dont have the time or patience to fix something up that's needed.

i hit pawn shops, and flea mkts for deals on used stuff, rarely spending more than a $1 or $2 for used name brand hand tools in good condition.

 

[celticbhoy]

Poor condition, fix it up myself. Always much more fun that way.

 

[jmm]

About 60% of the time, I choose the latter. I'm extremely tight with money, but will freely splurge my time. I don't mind taking an hour to do a 10 dollar fix, because A) I'm saving money and B) I usually enjoy doing it.

About 40% of the time, I choose the former. These purchases are usually for work and/or situations where I need the proper item (tool or otherwise) to function as it is supposed to right away.

 

[Exceller8]

It depends on what you mean by fair market value. Ebay prices, no way!

 

[77thor]

I've got enough jobs to do around the house, so I generally buy something in good condition that doesn't require extra work.

 

[PugetDude]

As I get older I find myself gravitating away from a bargain needing work and more toward ready to use.