Top 5 Things I Bought From A Yard Sale (or Used)

There are some items that I won't buy used. Underwear, socks...most clothing, actually. Other items must be used...cars, most notably...so that I don't feel like I'm just wasting money. Since my main recreation passion is playing sports, I find a lot of the gear that I play with used as well. Here is my top 5 list of things I have bought used, at a real or online sale just like the World's Largest Yard and Craft Sale that we have coming up this weekend.

1. Motorcycle

Dealers have to add a certain percentage because they have overhead. The bike I bought for $3,000 would probably have been more like $5,000 at a dealer. Nothing against dealers! They'll bring an expertise and financing options you won't get anywhere else. I just know I saved tons of cash by paying cash for a used bike.

Suzuki VL805 - paid $3,000

2. Kayak

New whitewater kayaks are mad expensive, and for good reason. They have to keep you safe in potentially turbulent water as you bounce off rocks, drop off cliffs, and head down a raging river. Like cars, they lose a lot of their value when they leave the lot, so used is SOOO much cheaper. Also, since they are built to be bulletproof, a boat built in the 80's or 90's is still probably going to be safe and available at insane discounts.

Dagger Vortex - paid $125

3. Karhu Jak skis

These are tele boards that I used for alpine and they worked great. New skis, like kayaks, are crazy expensive. It is because, like kayaks, they have to perform under difficult conditions and are filled with the latest technologies and advanced materials and components. Last year, I splurged on brand new ones, but before that I was on a pair of hand me downs for a couple years.

Karhu Jak skis - Free!! Hand me downs from a good friend who was done with them

4. Fly Fishing Pole

Here was an example of something I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy. I mean, it's peaceful to fly fish, but it's also remarkably difficult to get a fish on the line. So, I wasn't sure if it would be my thing. It turns out I do really enjoy it, but the Shakespeare reel I found used saved me hundreds.

Fly reel and rod - Paid $50

5. Bicycle

Thanks to Recycled Cycles, I found a bike for my wife to putt around Old Town on for a great bargain! They found it, fixed it up and made it ride like new...ish. Hey, it's a great bike that has a classic feel and is stylish with its basket as she cruises to restaurants, yoga and the store.

So, if you are on the lookout for something specific, or are open to finding something unexpected, you should join us for the World's Largest Yard and Craft Sale on Saturday at the Outlets at Loveland from 7am to 3pm.