Look...somone left their french fries in the GPS package

Ah, the surprises people find in used cars...

...the "certified, pre-owned" phenomenon is becoming mainstream in electronics as Consumer Reports reports. Manufacturers like Apple and Sony, retailers like Crutchfield and amazon are making it a big business.

30 to 40% off new prices - you think someone cheap like me would be all over that:)

But last year I got a used GPS for my tech-averse wife. Not sure she would use it I got a refurb. The maps, unfortunately were 24 months old, and the battery was at end of life so you have to keep it plugged in to work.

I much prefer shopping hard for a new device, and using Amex to pay for it as it extends the manufaturer's warranty by another year. To me that is worth the 30 to 40% premium over a refurb.

But as I found in my recent auto shopping, the overhang of used, particularly end-of-lease cars puts pressure on new car pricing. Should also happen in electronics and that is great for consumers. Now if they only allowed that with software licenses ...

Nice to have the choice, though.