Getting back into the swing of things: Cheapest Themes to Buy

tmgm528

So a dark ages is closing, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel yet....Eh? I don't have all that much money! I was simply curious as to what older themes have particularly decreased in value on a new/used end. Galaxy Squad seems really cheap these days, while things like Alien Conquest still seem rather pricey! Any suggestions folks?

chrisalddin

not on past stuff.
and it sound like you looking for more then 50% off RRP?
good luck with that.
Mixles are  Cheep.

if you can find the money you can start on the ground level for Nexo Knights.
that's new this year.

for me i said rules to follow for each theme i pick up,
1. modular buildings (will not pay over RRP, for a set.)
2 Ninjago, will not buy set from this theme predating 30/5/2015 (if it come out before that date then i not getting it)
3. Mixles, Series 5 and up only.

there my top 3 rules right now.

CCC

Buy what you like, not what is cheap.

Kevin_Hyatt

What's the point in just buying cheap? What are you into LEGO for?
I buy themes I'm not into if on sale then recoup some cost by reselling minifigs and then part out the pieces for MOCs.

Bumblepants

CCC said:

Buy what you like, not what is cheap.

This. Many of us who have been out of our dark ages for at least of couple of years have bought sets because they were X% off or a great deal and then later wondered "Why do I have 15 Construct-A-Zurgs in the closet?" (C-A-Z just a place holder for any undesirable set). Buy what you like, what makes you say "Aw yeah that is cool!" when looking at it in the store. Look for good deals and sales for sure, but look for them on what you want.

chrisalddin

Bumblepants said:

CCC said:

Buy what you like, not what is cheap.

This. Many of us who have been out of our dark ages for at least of couple of years have bought sets because they were X% off or a great deal and then later wondered "Why do I have 15 Construct-A-Zurgs in the closet?" (C-A-Z just a place holder for any undesirable set). Buy what you like, what makes you say "Aw yeah that is cool!" when looking at it in the store. Look for good deals and sales for sure, but look for them on what you want.

i dont think i pick up any items that i hate yet.
there was one or 2 buy that i was not 100% on if i like it but after building it i found i love it lol

i know however that i will never have the money to buy 15 of "somesetnamehere"
no mater how cheep
well maybe Mixles.
but i just part them out to my spears for MOC's

goshe7

During clearance events, Chima can be readily be found at discount.   Ninjago is often found at discount as well.   Ultra Agents and LEGO movie have been on frequent 30% sales (at TRU and [email protected]).  Those are the "on their way out" that are easier to find.  One could infer that means they would be slower to appreciate.  (There are and will be exceptions, of course).

I can't say I have researched completely retired and sold out theme prices.   Toy story, lone ranger come to mind as themes that haven't become very expensive. 

brumey

really diggin the blue marsling minifigs with the green head from toy story

the classic town theme is also rather cheap on bricklink

Fauch

Bumblepants said:

CCC said:

Buy what you like, not what is cheap.

This. Many of us who have been out of our dark ages for at least of couple of years have bought sets because they were X% off or a great deal and then later wondered "Why do I have 15 Construct-A-Zurgs in the closet?" (C-A-Z just a place holder for any undesirable set). Buy what you like, what makes you say "Aw yeah that is cool!" when looking at it in the store. Look for good deals and sales for sure, but look for them on what you want.

I've done this too, and I bought my first big set mainly because it was over 50% off (actually 70% off + shipping costs) and I actually like it better than all the other sets I have lol (except maybe for battle for ninjago city that I completed recently)

brumey

both. what i like, if its cheap!

datsunrobbie

My favorite theme since getting back into LEGO is USED. 

Pros:
Lowest cost per piece
Variety - you never know what is going to be on the shelf
I enjoy figuring out what sets I can make from the piles of parts
random stuff mixed in with the LEGO

Cons:
Never know what is going to be available
missing pieces/minifigs/boxes/manuals
unlikely to find the cool new sets
can be a challenge figuring out what set I just bought, IF it is a set at all
random stuff mixed in with the LEGO
sorting
sorting
sorting

Most of the LEGO I have bought over the last couple of years (after a dark age that left me with no LEGO at all) has come from thrift stores. I'd guess I have figured out which sets 75% of the parts came from for regular sets, and maybe 50% of the Bionicle sets.
As you can see from my "sets owned" list, it is possible to accumulate quite a range of sets if you find a few good thrift stores. 

http://brickset.com/sets/ownedby-datsunrobbie

Do keep in mind that buying USED is an adventure. Last weekend I picked up the box for a #8016 Hyena Droid Bomber and it had a #6747 Race Rider inside the box instead. The #10188 Death Star had a bunch of Creator airplane parts inside, in addition to the complete Death Star set. And there is really no telling what might be mixed in with the bricks - loose change, batteries, flashlights, play-doh, hot wheels cars, and of course off-brand bricks.