What Purchases Do You Never Skimp out on?

Kewok on 08/01/2016 - 01:41
Last edited 08/01/2016 - 11:06

We all love a bargain.
However, there are certain purchases in life that we must never skimp out on.

Here are my 2 personal favourites:

(1) Car tyres: It was time to replace the old tyres of my first car. Little did I know at the time, I opted for the cheapest I could get. Oh boy.. The regret. Ended up skidding on wet road causing a car accident that (really) could've easily been avoided.

(2) Low end PC PSU: Shortly after purchase, it began to play up, after having it turn itself on and off, it corrupted all my hard drives 😑.

What are some of your purchases that you will always abide by quality>alternative-bargains? Would love to hear all your stories & experiences.

General Discussion

Comments

        • deek on 11/01/2016 - 11:30

          Yeah, that was one particular mistake. I did wear them for a week before the hike, but it was nowhere near enough. Though even properly broken in, I don't think they would have been great over longer distances.

          Lesson learnt was you cannot skimp out on good footwear, especially when you're walking all day, for days on end.

  • modsec802 on 08/01/2016 - 09:48
    +2

    Caviar: there's no point on skimping out on anything less than beluga

  • pingMarky on 08/01/2016 - 10:27
    -2

    With electronic goods, for eveery $100 i expect 1 year of useage. So a $800 tv should last me 8 years.

    • Lukian on 08/01/2016 - 12:14
      +4

      My $159 TV has 18mths warranty. :> So that works pretty well? haha.

    • scrimshaw on 08/01/2016 - 14:00
      +2

      Hmmm. So a $800 iphone should last 8 years :)

      Anyway if a modern tv could last even more than 6 years without needing repairs I'd be very surprised. Today's electronics are built as cheaply as possible and are designed to basically…. not last. Wouldn't make sense that they continually offer extended warranties to capitalise on the uncertainty of the lifespan of a product.

      http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/mar/03/lifespan-…

      • xsacha on 09/01/2016 - 23:50

        I have a fairly modern 32" Samsung TV.. was about $600 when I got it, 6 years ago. It has had one repair (backlight stopped working), which was covered under warranty. Pretty good service too as they came to the house to pick it up and drop it back the next day.

        • smpantsonfire on 10/01/2016 - 23:00

          Sane here, also 32" LCD, about 6 years old too, gave it to my parent 4 years ago. Still going strong, the 50"panda I had before that is 7 years old and also still going strong, best tv I have ever bought.

      • endotherm on 10/01/2016 - 17:51
        +1

        Except extended warranties work on the principal of certainty — knowing exactly when they are covered by the manufacturer (and likely to fail), and before they will statistically fail at their end-of-life. They cover the period of lowest risk, and highest profit for doing nothing. see bathtub curve.

      • rdx on 10/01/2016 - 21:39

        So my $1500+ iPhone should last 15 years? Pfft

        • Dionnnn on 11/01/2016 - 01:28
          +3

          Nah, probs a few months

      • SirFlibbled on 11/01/2016 - 14:08

        My current TV (Samsung 42" FullHD - no bells or whistles) has just hit 6.5 years with zero problems.

        • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 12/02/2016 - 14:20

          Same. My 52 inch full HD LCD was bought in 2008. It did cost like 4 grand or something back then but i'm still happy

    • geoffellis on 09/01/2016 - 14:27

      There's no way my cellphone is lasting a decade!

      • Skinnerr on 09/01/2016 - 22:08
        +1

        Believe it or not my samsung d600 slide phone that i bought right before the 1st iphone hit is still going. I loved that phone so much that I used it till 2011 before I got my 1st smart phone.

        • geoffellis on 10/01/2016 - 15:39
          +1

          Even if you bought that new when it was first released - by 2011 thats what, a 5-6 year old phone? still a far cry from a decade. I had an iphone 3g that lasted 6-7 years before i replaced it. in fact I still think it powers on. but iOS hasnt been upgraded in probably 5 years and its at the latest supported version. Using it now would just be opening myself up to hackers. even if the hardware is still running that long… lack of updates after so many years makes it risky to use, thus needs to be replaced.

        • Skinnerr on 11/01/2016 - 01:59
          +1

          @geoffellis: I can plug it in now and it works. If it wasnt so dated id be using it. Obviously phone technology in hte last decade has skyrocketed so its all but obsolete, but my point is it lasted a decade, for arguments sake.

      • endotherm on 10/01/2016 - 17:26
        +1

        There is a big difference between "lasting" (functioning) and "unsupported or end-of-life" (obsolescence). There's no real reason a phone wouldn't still be functional in 8-10 years if it wasn't abused.

    • cjmorgan87 on 09/01/2016 - 14:48
      +1

      Wow, don't like the chances of my TV lasting 65 years 😐

    • johnno07 on 10/01/2016 - 09:08
      +1

      Not sure I'd you're serious or not, but this is not going to happen, except maybe at the really low end. A $200 TV will probably last you two years, but I'll be damned if a $2000 TV will last you 20 years.

      • endotherm on 10/01/2016 - 17:46

        I've got a couple of early LCD sub-$200 sets still going, at least 6 years old each. My 25" Sony Trinitron CRT which cost me $1500 30 years ago still works and I still use it. Damned you are! There are plenty of museum pieces going back nearly 100 years that still operate. Never say never.

        I'm sure some people experience more electronic failures than others. Maybe it is due to static build up if you live in a hot dry climate, or if it is overly dusty or humid. I've known people that could kill sensitive devices just by touching them.
        Not all manufacturers use crappy materials and components made from recycled banana skins. They do take into consideration that there is no sense ensuring they will last for 100 years (and charge the customer accordingly) when the technology will be obsolete in a few years and the customer will want to upgrade. This is due to desire not need.

        • johnno07 on 10/01/2016 - 20:13

          Old CRTs were tanks. I should have been more specific: "I'll be damned if a new $2000 TV will last you 20 years. In a time where planned obsolescence is commonplace, it just won't happen.

        • endotherm on 10/01/2016 - 21:06
          +2

          @johnno07: We'll have to wait and see if they will work. Of course I don't have an LCD that old yet, but my first Sony Wega ($2600) LCD is over 10 and hasn't missed a beat. Wega was after Trinitron and before Bravia. Reiterating that working isn't the same as obsolete. Those old CRTs and early LCDs still use the same resistors/capacitors/ICs and semiconductors in their construction. Aside from some inadvertent dodgy component supplies (e.g. cheap capacitors that dry out and were responsible for a spate of failures) it is completely possible to build devices that function normally and reliably for many years.

          A lot of military defence systems are based on "ancient" tech — if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Many still use systems that run on Windows 98 or other systems that are a known quantity, and run on related hardware. I'm sure you'd hate your submarine carrying your nuclear missiles to be running Windows 10 — just because you don't want to be considered obsolete —- and have it run off and perform a critical upgrade or do it's own thing just at the time you needed to rely on it most. Many businesses also follow this model and won't upgrade on day one. Old reliable tech is everywhere!

        • Skinnerr on 11/01/2016 - 02:09

          They do take into consideration that there is no sense ensuring they will last for 100 years (and charge the customer accordingly) when the technology will be obsolete in a few years and the customer will want to upgrade. This is due to desire not need.

          Bingo! It's called Planned Obsolescence

          Why make something last forever, when it can just die and you have to buy another one? Why not go beserk mining in WA to send rare earths to china to spam produce as much electronics as possible? Customer is ahead of the curve with the latest and greatest and the rich get richer.

          win/win

    • subscriber on 10/01/2016 - 18:37
      +1

      So how long do you expect that new Tesla to last?

  • raytriplej on 08/01/2016 - 10:35

    Toilet paper
    Beer
    Internet
    Phone
    Flights that depart so early that I need to get up at 5am.

    • JimB on 08/01/2016 - 10:55
      +3

      Sometimes you don't get a choice about departure time and depending on the destination an early departure means you're not wasting half the day when you arrive.

      • nikey2k27 on 10/01/2016 - 05:53

        5am fly mean Cab to airport save quickly wasted.

        • freakatronic on 10/01/2016 - 13:45

          Can confirm.

        • ronnknee on 11/01/2016 - 12:53

          Cab to airport

          You're doing it wrong.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 10/01/2016 - 10:11
        +12

        I get that people love cider but it tastes like apple juice water to me and actually makes me sick. I prefer beer.

        • Skinnerr on 11/01/2016 - 02:02

          I wasnt stating this as fact, its just my opinion and did so without sarcasm or jokes. But well done copying my statement instead of defending your sour froth water.

        • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 11/01/2016 - 10:54
          +4

          @thedude23:

          I was just sharing my opinion as well. I wasnt stating this as fact, its just my opinion and I did so with sarcasm and jokes .

        • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2016 - 13:28
          +1

          @zeggie: I don't like cider as well… I mistakenly bought one, and ew…

      • belongsinforums on 11/01/2016 - 21:14

        You might not have ever had a beer that you could enjoy. Try different varieties (even ones you know you don't like). The more you taste, the faster your taste buds mature and the greater variety of foods and beverages you'll be able to enjoy!

  • JimB on 08/01/2016 - 10:54

    Great idea about tyres….

    I've always purchased name brand ones, the cost is very little when you work it out per km/day/week… My favourite is Bridgestone who are having a buy 3 get one 1 promotion. Other brands I like and purchase are Goodyear and Michelin. Yokohama generally wear out too quickly.

    I've used good PSUs and cheapo PSUs… to be honest, I've never had an issue with any, but I don't overclock it or stress it out.

    • Lukian on 08/01/2016 - 12:19

      Anything under than Dunlop is generally a good choice :P

      • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2016 - 12:52
        +5

        How about anything over than Dunlop?

      • JimB on 08/01/2016 - 13:47

        Anything other than?

        Actually Dunlop make decent tyres too, i.e. Sport Maxx, although I've never purchase any myself they have done well in past reviews.

        As a rule of thumb just avoid any brand name tyres, especially if they are made in China or Korea. There are some decent tyres from Bridgestone and Michelin that are made in Thailand.

      • Lr2785 on 09/01/2016 - 22:04

        Dunlop SP Sport are the only tyre I use, there is no decision to be made, tyres get bald, time for some new Dunlops.

        My current car came with Bob Jane tyres on it, horrible in the wet, new set of Dunlops and its like driving a completely different car.

      • Azn310 on 10/01/2016 - 21:16

        FYI Dunlop make tyres for airplane. Chances are next time you will be landing on couple of dunlops.

        • boomramada on 11/01/2016 - 09:26

          Jetstar or Qantas? :)

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2016 - 17:42

      It is not only brand of tyres that matter. I recently had my new tyres gouged from the inside due to improper install. The rubber was torn from the threading leading to a tyre that popped on the road. It damaged my 5 day old rims.

      Of course, the conclusion of incorrect install was only made after I brought the wheels to a different shop. As the shop was removing the tyres from the remaining 3 wheels, I could see the same damage on all of them.

      I have since copped the loss of the tyres and damage to the rims (totalling around $2,500) as there is no way to prove the damage caused was by the tyre shop.

    • RADICALIST on 10/01/2016 - 22:09
      +1

      I am currently using achilles 123s semi slicks which are considered cheap and they are probably the best tyres I've ever used.

      • JimB on 11/01/2016 - 13:49

        How many KMs you done on them and how are they in the wet?

        What other new tyres have you tried? i.e. don't compare new and old tyres.

        I would expect a semi slick to perform well, but what about tyre wear, noise, comfort and wet weather grip?

      • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2016 - 14:30

        I'm on Michelin Pilot SC2. Definitely the semi slick of choice for me but fairly pricey. Noise level is the lowest for its class.

        Edit - sport pilot cup 2

    • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2016 - 13:30

      Depends on if you want to sell your car or not…

      Usually car need new tyres after 4-5 years, sometimes people start selling the car too.
      If so, just buy cheap… it won't add any more value to your selling price.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2016 - 11:00
    -7

    Seafood
    Beer
    Uranium
    Assassins
    Prostitutes

  • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2016 - 12:17

    personal hygiene and internet

  • fickre on 08/01/2016 - 12:32
    -2

    TLDR: Don't skimp out on anything. ANYTHING.

  • inherentchoice on 08/01/2016 - 17:47
    +2

    See also: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/201483

  • DeafMutePretender on 09/01/2016 - 00:20
    +3

    Politicians: You pay off the right one and the dividends come rolling in.
    Hitmen/local goons: Good for taking out labour movement/workers rights demonstrators when your employees start getting a little bit too uppity.
    Agent provocateurs: Turn your enemies against each other! Sit back and laugh.

  • r3volt on 09/01/2016 - 09:53

    Coffee.

    • Janko on 10/01/2016 - 12:41
      +1

      The best coffee is also the cheapest - green beans and roast.

  • F1Maniac on 09/01/2016 - 10:12

    Car servicing (and tyres). I got a cheapie Holden as my first car but it gave zero problems for a year after I bought. So when its up for servicing I don't mind spending a bit more on it to keep it going without a glitch.

    Meds / doc - thankfully I'm blessed with good health but when you need something just go for the best

    • Skinnerr on 09/01/2016 - 22:13

      I bought my 1st car recently a 2008 honda accord and was told by my dad and the salesmen that servicing at honda is the best option as they obviously the most knowledgeable about honda's and I cant fault that logic. But I have wondered if its worth almost double, when I see autobarn etc. servicing deals for like $150 or local joes garage for even cheaper exactly what my $300 honda service is getting me.

      • BoyGotSkills on 10/01/2016 - 01:00
        +1

        I do skimp here - servicing my own motorcycle is pretty straight forward and satisfying.

        I take it to the shop to get new tyres though, don't have a machine that puts tyres on rims.

        Back when I had a cheap car I serviced that myself too, just took it to the shop when there was something wrong I couldn't fix. I'm not a mechanic, I'm an IT guy, but I can follow a youtube video.

        Neither vehicle has really gone wrong.

      • mezje on 10/01/2016 - 17:48
        +2

        A $300 service from Honda will likely just be stuff you could've easily done yourself; draining fluids, topping them up etc etc. When it comes to internals though don't skimp out and unless you're a pro don't do them yourself, research and join some forums to find an independent who will provide cheaper service from someone probably just as knowledgeable if not more. People call them stealerships for a reason ;)

        Serviced 2 of my cars myself and they've never missed a beat, only reason I would take it to a shop is for stuff like timing belts and water pumps etc. Not only do you save heaps of money but working on cars is fun and good knowledge to have!

        • airzone on 11/01/2016 - 12:56
          +1

          I've done 2 timing belts / water pumps / seal jobs on my own cars. If you're prepared, have the right tools, have a repair manual (or at least torque values), and are methodical then it's not too bad a job.

        • mezje on 11/01/2016 - 23:31
          +1

          @airzone:

          For sure! Depends on the car too, Mitsubishi V6s are all I've owned and it is honestly a nigtmare.

      • Wallyt99 on 11/01/2016 - 00:39
        +1

        I get mine done at Hondworld. Cheap - but they know Hondas.

        • Skinnerr on 11/01/2016 - 02:05

          Do they do major services? If so how much roughly, also ever had any problems with using a non Honda dealership service? (i get that they are honda expertised though).

        • Wallyt99 on 11/01/2016 - 07:17
          +1

          @thedude23:

          They do the works. I've only been there for two minor services and a new tranny on wfes Jazz (1500). Until recently had a family mechanic.

          Accord euro minor +front pads +wiper blades around 350. Jazz minor +requested coolant replacement around 220.

          Very happy so far.

    • freakatronic on 10/01/2016 - 13:48

      I've serviced my own for 100000km now and still not a hiccup :D

  • cannedhams on 09/01/2016 - 10:13
    +8

    Razors. Tried every bloody cheap one out there but none are as good as a Mach 3.

    • Gershom on 09/01/2016 - 15:22

      I beg to differ. ThecAldi 5 blade is great.

      • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2016 - 15:41
        +2

        I just get the cheap disposable blue ones. No problem whatsoever.

    • ilikeradiohead on 09/01/2016 - 18:53

      My gf tried the mid level razors from dollar shave club and they were garbage. I didn't try them though as I have a beard haha.

    • xsacha on 09/01/2016 - 23:54

      Got a $50 electric razor about 10 years ago. Still working great and cuts first go. No need to replace anything or buy cream.

      • F1Maniac on 10/01/2016 - 14:30

        I have to say the dollar shave club is pretty good comparable to shick.

    • AFC 23 on 10/01/2016 - 16:01
      +3

      If you want a quality shave that is great value then double-edge razors are where it's at. Can't believe that this style of shaving has been phased out so much. Oh I know why, because you can't get ripped off! Once you have the razor you can buy a pack of 100 blades for $15. That's up to a years worth of shaving for $15 (or however much you spend on the blades - spend more for better quality, but you get the point).

      • Charity on 10/01/2016 - 22:49
        +2

        yes, found this out just a couple of years ago.

        originally bought ~$100 of blades (Made in Japan Feather's, in bulk) from Amazon thinking it will last probably a year. At the rate I am using them, it will probably last literally 15-20 years! So much money saved vs Mach3 type blades.

        Gillette/Shick truly have made the heist of the century to convince the world to pay 20 times as much for a inferior products that don't last half as long.

      • phoenixx on 11/01/2016 - 06:33
        +1

        Totally agree for women as well. I bought a pink DE razor about a year and a half ago for around $12 and never looked back. They are amazing.

      • pococse on 11/01/2016 - 10:59
        +1

        100% this. Double-edged razors also dont clog up like your normal mach3 style of shaver. So I can be lazy and not shave for a week and then use the double-edged blade without worrying about clogs.
        Even if you use a blade for only 2-3 shaves its way cheaper.

    • Azn310 on 10/01/2016 - 21:18
      +1

      What year is it? You guys still shave?

      • PVA on 11/01/2016 - 11:54

        hipster beards are way out of fashion now sir. 2016 is the year of being clean shaven.

    • Skinnerr on 11/01/2016 - 02:58
      +1

      These are 22c per razor and will cut through the toughest of beards. Go here if you want to learn more.

  • antzz on 09/01/2016 - 16:35

    I found that everything in life is negotiable. It's just your expectations had to be set accordingly. I can wear $30 watch but can also wear 10k watch it's just I wear them differently for different occasions. In Australia almost all product are stringently tested and of similar quality to each other.

    In Asia it is quite a different story where quality control is lack. I try to buy everything as cheap possible but I have a certain quality standard in mind.

    • Donaldhump on 09/01/2016 - 19:04

      what is made in australia thats cheap

      • fantafox on 09/01/2016 - 21:28
        +3

        Pizzas

        • Skinnerr on 09/01/2016 - 22:18

          I went to a local pizza store that had a big advertisement on their roof - 2 pizza for $12. Went in asked for it, he told me it was from the 90's and they havent taken it down and the prices are diff now. Large was $16 and I was hungry but $16 was really on the expensive side for me, I wouldnt mind paying $16 but it would want to be on point to be charging that much. Sure enough it wasnt, garbage pizza ham, low quality toppings real ordinary/average pizza. That was the last time I went there.

          Like I come to ozb looking for bargains, now I go to zomato and search in my area for the highest rated eatery's and have found some places so good I cant still cant believe it. Shoutout to aus fish and chippery in coburg, best fish ive ever had.

        • Donaldhump on 09/01/2016 - 23:42
          +1

          dominos will mae their pizzas in manilla before long

        • xsacha on 09/01/2016 - 23:56

          @unclesnake: Snap Frozen, and then delivered to your door in the oven mobile!

      • antzz on 10/01/2016 - 01:44

        I travel a lot and find prices in Australia is reasonable. Groceries is cheap, vitamins and skin care are very cheap, fruits is cheap and good quality, electronic is cheap, meat is the cheapest I found everywhere, seafood is reasonable, car is cheap, milk is too cheap

        What generally more expensive are clothing, accessories, furniture, eating out, parking (the most expensive I knew), bills are somewhat bit more expensive, house in Sydney is expensive but elsewhere is just standard for what you get

        My experience after living in several countries

      • Baysew on 10/01/2016 - 10:55
        +1

        Wine

  • ChickenTalon on 09/01/2016 - 17:31
    +3

    I don't skimp on much anymore, but I like to think I buy strategically and save as much where possible. It's one of those lessons I've learned over the years. Paying a bit more upfront for quality is generally worth it in the long run. If I know I'll need something, or I can hold off on a purchase for the right price then I will.
    Too many times I've gone the cheaper option and they just haven't lasted as long as I would have expected.

    Some examples (Services)

    • Cheap flights on chinese airlines. Often an unpleasant experience and I've heard some absolute horror stories when things go wrong. I think it's worth the extra for Cathay/Qantas/Singapore etc. Just buy at the right time.
    • Buying flights as separate segments. I never do this, even with long connection times, I think this is very risky.
    • Accountant, even for tax returns. A good one will not just help you maximise your return, but will help you structure things assets/home loan/accounts/working arrangements etc so that you're saving overall. I've found good ones EASILY pay for themselves.
    • Doctor. mine is 300ks away and charges heaps per visit. But always worth it because he takes the time to properly evaluate everything and explain what's going on. Much better than your average walk in doctor: prescribe anti-biotics, send for a blood test, then organise another visit (another consultation fee$) for them to tell you in 10 seconds that everything is fine (because of course that can't be done on the phone).
    • Lawyers, same thing. Find a good one if you need one. There is a reason why they're required for property purchases and a good one will keep anything horrible from happening.

    Products

    • VAX vacuum cleaner. Good initially, but bad design caused various problems from a flimsy hose that always twisted closed to being unable to cleanly empty the dustbin. It died after 3 years, replaced with a Miele C3 on special
    • Samsung front loader washing machine, also died after 3 years. Replaced with a well reviewed and recommended LG front loader. Cleans much better and quicker (can't comment on longevity yet).
    • Car Tyres. Always get really good ones, but I like to wait until they're on special. Then I always ring at least three places for the best price.
    • Bicycle tyres. Similar story. I pay a lot for really good ones that have the best grip and good puncture potection. Even though they don't last very long. But if I need them then I'll shop around for the best price.
    • Bicycle wheels. forget a super fancy carbon frame (this is one area where you can cheap out a bit). Riders equal, wheels account for 80% of the performance of a bicycle. Spend right and you'll get excellent ones that will last forever.
    • Bicycle clothing. Again, worth it for the comfort. I'll wait for the right item to become on sale if I can. When i started out cycling I bought cheap stuff, always uncomfortable and doesn't last. Will generally not keep you as warm/cool or dry as good clothing.
    • Janko on 10/01/2016 - 12:51
      +1

      Finding a good lawyer is pure luck unless you have recommendations from someone who can truly tell a quality lawyer. Hourly rate or marble reception desks don't reflect quality here. Nor are they required for property purchases, it's just easier to let them do the donkey work. Same with accountants. The rare quality ones get recommended so much they are simply too busy to take on more clients.

      • ChickenTalon on 10/01/2016 - 13:11

        Rather defeatist. I agree though, marble receptions do not a good lawyer make.

        Recommendations are the best way of finding a good one. Lawyers and accountants, if the good ones are too busy for new clients, then you can always ask them to refer you to someone they know and recommend.

        If you've done a lot of property purchases then you might be able to get through fine without one. But if you haven't then they're definitely required.

        • Janko on 10/01/2016 - 13:25

          The lone lawyer/accountant - yep, agree, however the norm is to pass you onto a less experienced member in the same firm. I humorously recall my parents being time-billed for "Training of xxx to do a title search".

        • ChickenTalon on 10/01/2016 - 16:30
          +2

          @Janko: if I needed a big firm I'd engage them through a lawyer I trusted. That usually cuts down on them charging you an hour to read and consider the message in your Christmas card.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2016 - 18:12
      +6

      I don't get what the fuss is about bad cheap-airline experiences, might be worth considering that the people reporting these stories are naturally impatient, over-thinking frustrated people who haven't learnt how to practice some form of acceptance of shit going wrong sometimes. Admittedly I only fly once a year or so so i'm not over-exposing myself to any particular airline. I've used air asia for a decade and never had a bad experience

  • Donaldhump on 09/01/2016 - 19:03
    +14

    hookers…. had a few cheap ones, end up paying more on medical bills…

  • OldSchoolHarry on 09/01/2016 - 19:12
    -2

    Flights - has to be A380 or >777 ( intl at least)
    Shoes and Clothes - coz comfort is life
    Petrol - coz it's always cheaper than repairs.
    Electrical equipment and appliances ( with proper safety standards and good Energy saving ratings)
    Food items - often cheaper brands do not have as good nutritious values.
    Tyres and brakes - for peace of mind
    Beds and chairs - health is wealth

    And basically anything that can have an adverse impact on your health or life if it's of poor quality. That being said, I never overspend due to any sort of hype.

    • ronnknee on 11/01/2016 - 17:49
      -1

      Flights - has to be A380 or >777 ( intl at least)

      That's just silly. The seat width/pitch aren't necessarily larger for newer/larger aircraft therefore it may not necessarily be more comfortable.

      • OldSchoolHarry on 11/01/2016 - 22:28
        -1

        Seriously, what's wrong with my comment? It's more about safety. A380 being a much larger plane is somewhat safer than smaller a330 or 340 because its more stable and has much longer fyling range. A330 has a had more crashes than a380 in the history. Also, I've travelled in most of the planes numerous times and I personally find A380 to be the most comfortable.

        • ronnknee on 11/01/2016 - 23:38

          because its more stable

          Source?

          much longer fyling range

          That's assuming they're loaded to their maximum fuel capacity, which they are certainly not. All aircraft are loaded with just enough fuel to reach their destination with very little margin as spare.

          A330 has a had more crashes than a380 in the history.

          I wouldn't be surprised, given that A380 was introduced 13 years after A330. Not all crashes are due to technical faults.

  • Randxyz123 on 09/01/2016 - 19:14

    I'm sure this has been discussed multiple times. E.g https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/201483

    Maybe change the title to "What Purchases Do You Never Skimp out on? 2016 Edition"

    For me like many people I buy the best products during the sales.

    • Have to agree with cheap flights. I've read so many horror stories of airlines like Jetstar completely screwing people over.

    • Shoes - I have a rule anything under $100 are likely to be a heap of crap and will fall apart after 6 months. This is from experience.

    I bought a $250 pair of shoes in Dec 2012 and they have been my go to casual shoe until Dec 2015. I recently bought another pair of the same brand just for a bit of a upgrade. I'm about to invest in some RM Williams. They will set me back $450 or so but should last me a good 10 years.

    • Anything to do with hygiene be it Condoms(I'm surprised there weren't any accidents from the groupon incident reported on here ), toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, toilet paper it pays to have the better quality

    • Electronics like chargers, battery packs etc I'm not being racist here but I always buy genuine chargers and battery packs from a proper store. There have been several reports about people getting electrocuted by cheap knockoff chargers from Asia and battery packs exploding and more recently those cheaper segways catching fire.

    • Chocolate - Lindt 85% is the best

    • Dog food / Pet care

    • Doctors / my own health

  • mmd on 09/01/2016 - 19:51
    +4

    Seafood:
    Basa fillets are available at an insane price of less than $10. I will never buy Basa because of the way it is farmed/where it lives.
    I will never buy prawns that are made in China, because of the numerous food scandals over there. Australian prawns are way more expensive, but it tastes better and helps the local economy. I acknowledge that it is unavoidable at times (I highly doubt they use Australian prawns/calamari in my $12 pasta meal).
    I still remember the good times last year, where I bought Aussie prawns for not much more than the chinese prawns, using stackable woolworths discount codes.

    Shoes:
    I firmly believe in you get what you pay for with shoes.
    I would never cheap out and buy runners from Kmart/ Big W/ Spendless Shoes.
    I bought my runners on sale via Wiggle (cost $250 here, but got them for $100).

    Connoisuer:
    Ah, ozbargains favourite ice cream. I have converted to Connoisseur ever since (I didnt like the Ben and Jerrys cookies and cream).

    Buro office chair:
    I used to buy $100 office chairs from Officeworks. After a few years, the spine or seating pad would wear down and become uncomfortable and dangerous. At that time, I said to myself I don't see why ppl spend so much on a chair.
    After developing a sore back due to the crappy chairs, I finally took the plunge and spent a lot of cash on the Buro chair.
    It is so comfortable and solidly built, and my back is thanking me for it!

    This is from my post last year

    • subscriber on 10/01/2016 - 18:43
      +3

      Basa is not even a species of fish. It is a marketing term designed to sound like bass to mislead people. Basa is just yet another name for Vietnamese catfish. Avoid!

  • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2016 - 19:53
    +4

    Bread, aint no supermarket sht.

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