New vs Used when buying please share thoughts

I'm pretty sure everyone hear is going to suggest audiogon as the place to buy used. I also think that most people here will suggest buying used instead of new. When you consider the fact that you can usually find a mint condition product for half of retail that has been lightly used for a couple months, it doesn't make sense to buy new. As far as warranty, rarely do I hold on to anything long enough to have any warranty issues.

The most important issue other than finding equipment which has "syenergy" w/each other, your tastes & the room in which these components will be going in, is the SELLER'S reputation/track record of honesty and integrity. Good communication is vitual as well. Trust your instincts. I've bought quite a few things on AudiogoN and E-bay and "knock on wood," so far not one single issue. Proper packing of the item is essential. Absolutely nothing wrong w/buying used as long as you know your seller. There are always risks involved, however. My 2 cents. Bill

Buying used audio equipment is a lot like buying a used car.
You can get a wonderful deal, or a lemon!
Buying used is a risk. A risk many feel comfortable with.
The most important part of buying used is to find sellers you can trust.
Personally, sellers who have too many sales in a short period, are not selling personal equipment, they are dealers in reality, if not openly so named. And I would avoid them.
The best sellers are selling equipment they have used, and are upgrading. It has not sat in a closet for five years, nor been just picked up at the local electronics bargain fair!
If the person you email is gruff, or annoyed by questions, I would pass on that seller too. Ask a stupid question already answered in the ad to feel out if they are jerks. I decent person WILL spend the time to answer your question! The ones who get nasty... pass.
Pay for decent shipping! FedEx 3 day is the best. Expensive but your gizmo will arrive safe. The worst are ground anything, FedEx, UPS, postal ground all suck. Find stuff that has the original box and manual! Usually the original owner will have these if they own a house. (Some folks do not have the room to save all the boxes, but if they are the original owner, I would go for it.
These ideas are specifically for the first time buyer used, and do not appy to seasoned used shoppers. (So don't crucify me 'goN'ers)
The reasons to buy used are to save money! perhaps to buy a great item that is no longer produced.
To buy new: warranty.
New OR used, the item could have problems, and so that part of the picture is not as important as it might seem. But avoid products that cannot be repaired, because no parts can be had, or because they are too expensive to repair (mid priced $400 used, CD players come to mind, too expensive to repair!, just toss and get a new one!)