I've bought ~5 guitars from shops. Probably ~15 used (ebay, etc) and ~10 new from online new.

Online new is by far my preferred, but cost keeps me shopping for used as well. I've played enough guitars to know what I want. And if I don't like something I buy, I can always return it or sell/give it away.

It's how I got into Les Pauls. I hated them as a kid but I saw that Silverburst one and was like, that's awesome, I should own at least one Les Paul. Well, 7 or so later, I'm a LP fan. Same with Telecasters. I always wanted one but they played like shit in every guitar store I went in (dirty necks, dirty strings, etc.). I finally just said fuck it and bought one I found on a great deal. After that I went ahead and bought a couple of strats and I love them as well.

I'm an Ibanez fanboy since the 80s, so I've never been disappointed in any of their guitars I've bought. In fact, my only complaint is my ARZ 7 string has annoying neckdive so I wish they'd made the body heavier, but I play it sitting down 99% of the time anyway.