First, I'd get the serial # and send me a Private Message, or post it on here if you choose to.
Second, My 231 is a 1998, with the "shell" or "dish" type fenders. I bought it for $8,000 a couple years ago with 480 hours on the meter. I now have 730 hours on it and you couldn't give me today, More than what I paid for it 2 years ago. I wouldn't take it. I've had 5 tractors within a 3 year period and the 231 Massey Ferguson is By Far My Favorite. I Honestly will Never plan to sell this one.
My uncle just sold his 98' MF 231. The tractor was ragged out, but ran well for what it was put through. He sold the disks, boom pole, box, trailer, and bush hog all for $7500. Knowing what everything was put through, he got an excellent price in my opinion. The stuff that was in descent condition was the disks and boom pole. I probably wouldn't have gave him $5000 for Everything.
I have an owner's manual, parts book, and some other Important info on this tractor (cross over filter number references) if you or anybody else is interested.
The first thing I'd do if I were you is get that serial number and research it.
Travis R