The point about the gaskets is worth considering. If they are worn, it doesn’t mean the suit was abused. Things wear out. A full gasket replacement - neck and wrists - may cost around $100. So consider if the price saving of the used suit is worth the difference over the long run - like 5+ years.
I bought a NRS suit at the end of the year sale (years ago) and it seemed like a good deal at the time. But NRS sizes run small. To fit in the chest, the suit had extra long (for me) legs. So there’s a lot of extra material in my NRS - fortunately it is decked out with Belt AND Suspenders. Hey! that’s what I advocate about gear on the Hammock forum
I didn’t know about Kokatat’s semi-custom plan. That’s where for an extra fee (used to be $50) you could specify different parts from stock sizes. So I would gotten a suit with size S or M arms, size L or XL chest, size S or M legs.
Also, some manufacturers (Stolquist) offer a one time swap for a different neck size and/or material - like switching from latex to neoprene.
I don’t know about rental prices these days, but we are so near the end of the commercial season, you might rent now (assuming it’s just for a day or two) and wait until the fall sales.
Though I use a dry suit if I’m out alone (except on a 90 degree day on a flat lake) and if I’ll be a designated “safety” person, if I’m with others (I trust), I’d be happy in a wet suit - knowing that my paddlng partners would get me out of the water expeditiously.
In other words, because a Dry Suit is THE safety garment for ocean paddling, it is important enough to “get it right”. And that might mean, if you have limited experience with them, not having price be the decision driver. Just the decision between neoprene or latex neck gasket, or latex vs GoreTex booties (or no booties) can make a significant comfort difference in a garment you will have for a long time.
I had neoprene for years, till I talked with a paddler who said he also used neoprene until he started taking his wife and kid along; then he switched to a dry suit. It wasn’t that he would hesitate to jump in the cold water if his wife/child needed help. It was that he understood the temporary debilitating effect of “cold shock” before the wet suit does it’s job.
Neoprene will work if you are paddling with others you know will come to your aid. And when you get your dry suit, the neoprene will give you some clothing options when water temps allow it. For example, I believe scientists set the minimum Kelvin temperature by having the surf at SeaSide (Oregon) run over their feet/ankles. But I’ve seen many a person swimming in shoreline waters in the Gulf Islands. Of course they were Canadians - who are right up there with New Zealanders as being gifted with superhuman abilities.