When deciding to buy an instrument, you need to begin by answering some questions. As a former high school band director, I firmly believe that there is nothing like a new instrument to help keep a child motivated as a beginner. When a child expresses an interest in an instrument, the parent and child should enter into a contract with each other. Sometimes trombones are expensive for the wrong reasons, and it is important to buy an instrument that has exactly what you want. Considering what you will use the instrument for is a big factor in how much you will spend.
Brass instruments are very durable and can last for decades with sensible care and cleaning.
Likewise, many dealers have used instruments that can be had for less than the full price of a new one. If your dealer won't give you any discount, keep shopping around. There is a trend today among many orchestral players to have instruments that are extremely heavy. While a heavy horn may offer some advantages, it has drawbacks as well, as heavier instruments tend to respond with less flexibility when played soft. What is important is that you try out many instruments and find something that fits you .