To think that very little is built to last and truly value for money?

[Drivingslowtosavefuel]

I would love to buy quality over quantity, things built to last, things that offer really good value for money.

I am not talking about spending megabucks so maybe I am not spending enough to get really nice things that last - but every time I try to buy something a little more expensive than I am naturally inclined, I generally end up disappointed and wish I had just bought the cheaper version as the expensive one doesn’t seem any better or last any longer.

Recent disappointments include iPhone, Fitbit, every laptop I have ever owned, all clothes over £100 (I will manage to snag them the first time I wear them because of their delicate fabric and then they are basically ruined whereas at least my cheaper clothes look better for longer).

Are there any brands or products which you swear by as something really reliable, good value for money and built to last, not just to end up in landfill like most products these days? It could be anything - electronics, clothes, accessories, home etc. Bonus points if it will withstand 2 children under 2 (within reason!)

Just thought of another. Our house came with a Parker knoll 3 piece suite. The furniture is in a lesser used snug which we never use with guests so I can cope with the old fashioned look but my god are they comfy, they look nearly new (but are about 15 years old I believe) and beautiful very light cream linen.

I have a furnace (backup) in my house that was installed in the 70’s. When we had the repair guy out the first time to clean and inspect it along with our newer main furnace he recommended replacing it. It’s forced air for heating the basement only so not critical. Anyway other than a small part change he admitted it was in great condition. This was after I told him we don’t replace things just because they are old. I pointed out the original to the house 1957 hotpoint oven he was leaning against.

He laughed and said he could keep the furnace working as long as he could keep finding parts.

Really though, be selective on what you spend money on.

Silk blouse, spend some money. Quick polyester fashion blouse- go cheap. Good reputation foot ware, spend money. Cute flashy shoes cheap. Furniture is tough… look for solid materials, wood, metal, etc. chances are you’re only going to find that in specialty stores or handmade crafters. And then chances are it will be prohibitively expensive. Your best bet is antique or vintage.

Otherwise anything electronic has a lifespan of 2-5 years. Just accept it. Go for simple as someone else suggested. You’ll spend less over time with a simple dial turn washer than the fancy ones that can do all sorts of things you don’t care about.

I was very generously gifted a Rolex watch 20 years ago and it will last a lifetime. My remoska cooker is cooking tomorrow's dinner at present and it cooked two other complete meals today, it's about 10 yrs old. I'm still wearing boden clothes from about 20 years ago, particularly the tweed items.
I use Android phones and they don't seem to have a built in obsolescence.