Hey FlatTop9,
I am glad to read your feedback; I am following the same path as you... I also tried a 425, and though I have nothing against it, I am holding out for a diesel and slightly larger machine. (Now, if the 425 size came with a diesel in the same price range, then I would probably get it...)
I missed out on a used 1430 in the NE last year because I was still short in my savings, the machine was fairly far away, and the owner did not seem to want to deal with anyone not local or via email. (Had I had successful communications, I would've found the money somewhere...) Oh well, that's a good problem to have in life...!
So, I am keeping an eye out for a used 1430 that has been very well maintained, hopefully not abused too much, and with not too many hours on it. That seems to be quite a rarity though. I am hoping to not have to buy new.
Cheers,