Recreational & Family - Used Trek 7.5fx or new 7.2fx

This is the first bike I am going to buy, and I will only be using it for short commuting and exercise purposes. I can buy a used 2007 Trek 7.5Fx for $450, or a new 7.2Fx for $480. I have next to no knowledge when it comes to bikes, so any input as to which bike I should buy would be appreciated. Thanks!

The 7.5 is a very nice bike ---- if it is like new, I wouldn't be afraid of it. I'd work for a little bit lower price......

$450 is the lowest I will be able to get it for. The posting was on craigslist for $500, and the seller said the lowest he would be willing to sell was for $450. Is that a pretty good deal?

Prices vary depending on where you live and how many used bikes are on the market, so it might be a good deal if the bike is in really good condition and has been maintained. The 7.5 has better quality components than the 7.2, but the 7.2 is plenty good for your stated use. However, since this is your first bike and you don't know a whole lot about them, you might want to factor in the benefit of having a manufacturers warranty and perhaps the post purchase tune ups that some shops give customers for a period of time after the sale. I'df also weight in the length of time the posting has been on craigslist. Like all used items for sale, properly priced things go quickly, over priced things hang around.

I sold my 7.5 FX on eBay for 440 +S&H and it was 7 years old. The guy who won it, loved it; he sent me a thank-you note. I liked that bike when I had it.

As a side note, getting fitted for a bike is priceless. I have no problem paying full price from a great bike shop, it's cheaper that way, sounds crazy saying that. I called 25 bike shops before one said "I have the bike your looking for lets get you in for a fitting".
good luck