I have downloaded and taped together several brands of patterns and some are better than others. However, in general I have concluded they are worth the savings and here is why. If I have to travel to a store to purchase the pattern it's no less than a 1 1/2 hour trip and that's only if I don't get distracted in the fabric store, ha ha ha. For the cost of the gas to and from the store, I can print out the pattern (paper, ink and tape). Now the time to tape the pattern together is far less than the 1 1/2 hr, OK, who am I kidding, 2 1/2 hr trip to the fabric store.

Time is money and I just saved time and money. Add to that, the purchase price of a download pattern is considerably cheaper so I saved again!
For example, Islander Sewing Systems MotorCity Express pattern retails for $23.95 plus shipping and you will wait up to a week to receive it. The download version is only $15 and you can start sewing the same day you purchase.

One last benefit to downloaded patterns is the nice heavy paper instead of the flimsy tissue. I particularly like the heavy paper for cutting around with the rotary cutter. The blade can rest against the paper as your guide so you are not likely to get off track.
You be the judge but by all means try one first!