Why buy used?

With the plethora of comparatively inexpensive equipment coming to the market today, why not buy new? Well, why do so many buy used cars? However many reasons you come up with can likely be amplified as reasons for buying a used telescope. Compared to an automobile, the optical and mechanical systems of telescopes are vastly more simple and longer lasting. Telescopes are not subject to tighter pollution restrictions, possible failed inspections, and although you might not be completely captivated with a particular model, a bad amateur telescope will never kill anybody.

But add another reason to your list. Generally the mechanical fit and finish given even to modest refractors of yesterday is available only at high cost today. The prices on used equipment vary from 80% down to less than 50% of the original cost with little or no degradation in performance.