Upgrading cartridge used or new?

Used cartridge good luck Dude!!

When I started this audio hobby years ago, I tried many low end cartridges just to get different flavors. Then the cartridge trade-in programs offered by many brands really helped me.

I would trade in my old one for the new one that I want to try. Once I find the brand that I like, I stick with that brand. When higher end models come out from that brand, I would trade up again. That way you save some money along the way and you get brand new cartridges. Additionally, your system has been tuned to the house sound of that brand. You are then assured that the new cartridge will fit your system sonically.

Of course, buying used is cheaper, but I don't like to take the risk. That said, I did sell used cartridges in the past and I have been honest to the buyers.

Buying used from a friend will be a good option as it is less risky. I agree that most Audiogon members are honest. I would also say that owners of very high end cartridges are very careful because who would want to ruin their $10k cartridges and end up with lower resale value. So buying used high end cartridges might not be as risky as you think.

I don't buy used cartridge especially if I want to keep the cartridge for quite some time. You really don't know the remaining life of a used cartridge, let alone a broken one.

I have bought many cartridge used over the years (mainly fitted to Rega decks that I have purchased), and on only a couple of occasions can I say that I had a worn out cartridge. People change cartridge frequently looking for a better sound, so often the cartridge has not had enough use to wear it out, though I would never spend a lot of money on one, and when you get it, only try it out on non-precious vinyl first before committing it to your collection. You will soon know if the stylus is worn, it is unlikely to track very well, can sound very rough (though this can be like this if the cartridge if a low cost one anyway), and lack detail in the high frequencies because the stylus cannot track into those undulations any more.
Some sellers show magnified images of the stylus showing how unworn the stylus is; If the image is genuine then this would be a good way of knowing, but you cannot trust this, and must go on the reputation of the seller more than what is shown or written in a listing. If the seller sells hi-fi, look on their feedback to see if they have sold many cartridges and had good feedback for them, indicating that they have morals and won't sell worn ones.
You can get a really good cartridge for much less than a new one of you are careful.

I hope this helps you.

Rge Spares by SoundsSupreme