I keep an eye open for good deals on used wheels and parts (except used spokes & nipples). However, any "new" wheel I acquire, I build myself.

I've now started breaking spokes on my 36 spoke front wheel of unknown age and history. 3 broken so far, all "outbound" spokes (heads on the inside of the hub). The heads seem to be popping off of the spokes one at a time. 15 left to go!!!! Comparing the new DT spokes with the original generic spokes, the heads don't seat well with the generics. My interpretation is that the DT spokes use just a little softer material, and seat better than the original spokes.

Anyway, it is hard for me to build a 100% new wheel (no recycled parts) for less than $100. Good hubs, of course, can last a long time.

I am just very leery of buying a $100 new wheel. One of the things that I'll naturally do is upgrade parts. 100% name brand spokes. I was using straight spokes, but after reading some, I've shifted to double butted. Perhaps 105 or Tiagra at the low end for hubs. Rims of my choice.

I'm not a perfect wheel builder yet, but I trust my wheels better than the bargain basement generics.

If you have trued a wheel, but haven't built one, it can be a good experience.