Lots of pros and cons to either buying or building. We bought a used house because we liked the neighborhood and area (and because you couldn't get a 1/3 acre lot to build new for a reasonable price even then) The problem was that we bought in an area where it's very common to get stuck with the original late 70s/early 80s Brady Bunch-in-reruns decor. Lots of military families here, and they'll keep up the house very nicely, but if they're only going to be there for three years, most don't want to get involved in big rennovation projects.
We've already gotten rid of the lovely textured wallpaper that dominated three rooms plus a bathroom, and changed out almost all of the lighting fixtures and all of the cabinetry hardware, and there are still a lot of other cosmetic issues we haven't gotten around to dealing with. Though I do have to say that the pastel blue toilet and bathtub in the master bathroom have grown on me over the years.
We've already gotten rid of the lovely textured wallpaper that dominated three rooms plus a bathroom, and changed out almost all of the lighting fixtures and all of the cabinetry hardware, and there are still a lot of other cosmetic issues we haven't gotten around to dealing with. Though I do have to say that the pastel blue toilet and bathtub in the master bathroom have grown on me over the years.
Biting Fly repellant, soap scum remover, floor cleaner, natural herbicide, air freshener, deodorant getter-outter of laundry, pickling agent, bbq sauce ingredient, salad dressing, etc. -- Vinegar! 
