I am a huge fan of the trains Lionel offered around 2002 to 2006 (just before Legacy). I think many of the sounds are far superior to the Legacy versions of the same engines. Therefore, I have been buying a lot of very nice engines from that period that I never felt I could afford. But at prices of 35 to 50 percent of what they originally sold for, I do not seem to be able to pass them up. Even some of the first Legacy offerings are popping up with really good prices.
I do purchase some new items but 60 to 75 percent of my purchases in the last few years have been 10 to 12 year old Lionel.
By the way, I hardly ever purchase a new car either. My last auto purchase was a 6 year old car with only 6,000 miles (it still smelled new) for 30% of it's list price.
Always glad t find a deal!
Happy railroading,
Don
