A wood bow will last a life time if it is looked after properly.

I have a recurve that I was given for my 15th birthday (I'm now 52) and it still shoots as good as the day I got it.

I always unstring a bow when it's not in use.

The only problem I see with buying used is you never know how the bow has been treated by the previous owner specially the ones on fleabay

Always ask if there is any limb twist or cracking of the finish and if the seller has a return policy.