Steelfan, That price sounds high to me but if you have looked at used tractors you know what kind of price they can bring. I bought a '96 Cub, 7234, 23HP/4wd/FEL shift model and it was $12,500 new from a New Hampshire Dealer. I know mine has a smaller motor than the 27HP but I don't remember that much difference in the price of the two. Mine has been an excellent tractor and has been great for plowing my driveway, landscaping and moving firewood/trees around. I basically Ditto the comments of Corm about his Cub. I don't think you would be at all unhappy with its reliability or performance. I looked at all the colors, used and new, and this was the best deal I found. I do wish I had bought a Hydro but that is hindsight plus my wife was holding me back. Let us know how the deal goes.