Is Anyone Else Sick of Todays Junk?

I am getting really disgusted with the amount of low quality garbage that is being produced today. Nothing in particular, just in general it seems like many items you buy today just don't last. I understand it's just the way our economy went, but I am starting to get sick of this crap that breaks left and right. With in reason I am the type of person that likes to invest in the better quality products so I can hang on to stuff as long as possible, but even that doesn't mean much today. Recently I just bought my third manual tire pump in the course of a couple of years and the new one just broke. I can at least fix it this time, but my father still has and uses an old tire pump from my great-grandfather. The list can go on and on, just wondering if anyone else wants to vent about a product that has seemed to greatly diminish in quality?

Not only junk, but way over priced.. I hardly ever buy anything new. My vehicles, swimming pool, furnace, hot tub, most of my music equipment is all second hand. I've saved thousands upon thousands upon thousands by letting someone else pay for initial depreciation on something new and then I'll get a good price on it, second hand in good condition... SO let the junk be what it may.. I'll never buy new "junk"

Try to buy the little american flag NOT made in china and with more sturdieness thanthan 2 staples tacked to a cheap wooden stick, id pay 3x more for a good painted steel rod with a flag more perminantly attatched, I agree with you 100%! Brake lines in vehicles why are they not an everlasting composite material like......20 yrs ago! Why cant I find a new kitchen appliance that doesnt need a tek to stop over every 6 months when my dad has a 30 yr stuff that has never been worked on......come on america bring honesty back!

I am just old enough to remember paying more meant getting better quality
AND longer life for cars,machinery, tools and appliances. I am still using many
tools and machines my father bought in the 1950's and 60's.
I just purchased a new refrigerator to replace one only 8 years old (too expensive
to repair). The old 1990 refrigerator has lived outside (8 years) for
summer use and a 1950's one is in the cellar and both work just fine!
I try to buy USA but it seems almost everything is disposable junk.

Buy cheap make cheap sell cheap cheap cheap cheap

Well if people stop buying it they will stop selling it. United we stand right?

grumpy wrote:Well if people stop buying it they will stop selling it. United we stand right?

That's right Grumpy, but unfortunately the vast majority of Americans demand the low price point and simply will not pay for a high quality item. I think this is why they are no longer made.

Gekko wrote:

grumpy wrote:Well if people stop buying it they will stop selling it. United we stand right?

That's right Grumpy, but unfortunately the vast majority of Americans demand the low price point and simply will not pay for a high quality item. I think this is why they are no longer made.

Your right, But enough already, I used a cheese grater for the first time just last night. Yes it broke before I even grated one piece of cheese..

Boo Hoo...

Sorry "grumpy" but I just can't hold it back. Was the cheese to go with the whine?

Welcome to the world of hedonic substitution, primarily with junk from the Far East. We couldn't afford to buy American any longer, even if given the chance. Particularly American made goods built like they used to build them. Real wood furniture. Cast Iron stoves. Etc...

I try to go for made in U.S.A., when possible. I have found that the new vs. used is a tricky area to save money in when it comes to cars. I have seen so many people buy used cars that don't even realize they spent more when you factor in higher interest rates, extended warranties and so on. The first vehicle my wife and I bought together was a used car and though we might have saved a little, it wasn't worth it in my opinion. Our second vehicle together which is our current one was bought new and was by far cheaper than comparable used models with all the rebates factored in. In fact we got such a deal on it I paid for it out right and owned it right off the lot. My current truck was bought new also because I couldn't see spending just a couple thousand less for a couple year old truck with maybe 50K miles, less of a warranty and no 0%. If I was someone who was into vehicles with lots of stupid little bells and whistles, then I would probably lean toward used, but for me I found base model new to be a better choice.

Billyirons wrote:I am just old enough to remember paying more meant getting better quality
AND longer life for cars,machinery, tools and appliances. I am still using many
tools and machines my father bought in the 1950's and 60's.
I just purchased a new refrigerator to replace one only 8 years old (too expensive
to repair). The old 1990 refrigerator has lived outside (8 years) for
summer use and a 1950's one is in the cellar and both work just fine!
I try to buy USA but it seems almost everything is disposable junk.

If that doesn't describe me...thanks, saved me a lot of typing.
"Vintage" Tool Collections
Sunbeam Coffeemaster Collectors Corner (the Vac-Pack)

Here is a website for stuff made in the USA,,,, There are other sites also http://www.americansworking.com/

Yep, absolutely.

I have made it a habit to start buying alot of things second hand. Like flea markets, yard sales etc.

Not only do I try to buy most of the things I need used, but... I only buy things that were made in the good old USA. Why buy a coal shovel from Walmart for $40 that was made in China when I can get an old USA made one for $5 at a flea market. I also FIX everything that I can, not much gets tossed around here.
Got me an old 1960's Coleman camp stove that runs on white gas last week for ten bucks. They are fetching $100 at the store and aren't nearly as we'll made today. Took a few months of looking but it wasn't a huge priority. Just a hey if I see one it would be nice kinda thing.

Next on the list is an old coffee percolator but it has to be old and have the glass handle on top.

I know it's not much but it makes me feel better

Does buying old stuff boost the economy?