373 hours, a lot or not?

[Benzark]

Well, the plot thickens somewhat.

I got in contact with the selling dealer, and it is not a 2003 model. It was purchased in May 2002, and he cannot tell me for sure whether it is a 2001 or 2002, but probably a 2002.

The loan cannot be assumed. I will need to write a check to Case Credit for the entire loan balance, which I could do with the aid of a credit card check, perhaps.

It is out of warranty as of May 2004.

The new Century 2005 model is approximately $4000 more, 35 hp vs. 25 hp, 2 year warranty, dealer is 30 miles closer. It is a syncronized 12/12 transmission with "shuttle shift" which is probably not as "handy" as the hydrostatic transmission, but I do not really know about that. But I guess I could do a lot of repair work for $4000. Would that be a safe assumption?

Oh well, thanks again for the input from everyone. Either way that is a lot of money to spend for something that I really do not "need". (I am used to buying used, it's not like I always buy new "stuff", but it is usually a lot cheaper than buying new. This seems to be close enough to consider buying new.)

Benzark

 

[JimR]

Go hydro, you will love it. 373 hours is not even broken in. I have 2300 hours on my 27hp Cub and it purrs like a kitten. If you said 5-6K hours I would check it out much more closely.

 

[Henro]

Just to add another thought...

As just about everyone said (or was that everyone? Probably...) 373 hours is not much. But it is enough to tell you something...

And what is that? The answer is the tractor may be a good one. Was it in for service? Lots of warrantee repairs or never seen the dealer since it was sold? Probably not, but ask anyway. If not, then it has gotten over its growing pains and is ready to work reliably for the long term.

A consideration if buying a car from a rental company, is to buy one that has enough miles on it to show that it was reliable. A low milage car from a rental company may be low miles because it was in the shop time after time being repaired, rather than out on the road making money for them.

So don't let 373 hours scare you away. It may really be telling you that the tractor has been tested and has shown to be a reliable unit, waiting for someone to take advantage of the initial depreciation loss the first owners almost always suffer...

That being said, you need to buy the size tractor that suits your needs. If you need 35 hp, then 25 HP is not the tractor to buy, no matter how good the deal...

 

[btolle]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( for whatever he still owed on it... ( about $11,000)
)</font>

What he owes on it has absolutely nothing to do with what it is worth. Every new car that rolls of a car lot is worth a lot less than is owed on it.

Find out what it is really worth and offer him that much. If he has to put money with it to get you to take it that is his problem.

Bill Tolle

 

[texastomtom]

It's obvious WE all agree,,, hours are low /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

****************

Worth it ????
Sounds like there will be some financing involved on your part.

You might possibly get a new unit with very low interest PLUS have a new warranty for similiar money per month.

Even if you pay CASH you might consider what not having that cash working elsewhere for you is worth.

If your talking credit card rates -- New might be closer than you think...

Course if your just helping out a friend that is up to you....

There are many LOW rates out there to be had..

If you go new then you get to have the week or so of sleepless anticipation to look forward to... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif


good luck !

 

[thcri]

My TC29D is a 2001. I have had it for just a tad bit over two years now. I have less that 300 hours. In fact I just did the 300 hour service on it, a bit pre-mature but it is now done. The hours on that tractor I would not worry at all, It is barely broken in yet. That tractor new with loader depending on the area your in probably ran a tad bit over $15,000 brand new. Mine with loader, supersteer, hydro and 72" mmm was close to $20,000.00

Check on pricing in your area. The Century is a good tractor and a lot more horsepower. But I don't think you can get hydro on it.

murph

 

[Benzark]

Thanks again to everyone for your input. I will take it all into consideration. I have been out for a while, and just got back.

The credit card check is some sort of special deal, 2.9% until it is paid off. That makes it more feasible, but probably not enough to buy a new tractor outright, due to my credit limit on that card.

There has been lots of good input, and ideas to consider. Thanks again. I have to agree with the concensus that 373 hours is not that much, so I will not worry any more about my original question.

Benzark

 

[markie61]

If you are unsure as to the year, I have read BUT AM NOT ENTIRELY SURE that running gear (the tranny and rear end) is gray on 2001 and earlier and black on 2002 and later.

Mark

Oh, and a red-flag is the "poor maintenance" reputation.

 

[Varmintmist]

You are looking at around 100 hrs a year. Thats nothing. Even if the same oil is in it as was when it was delivered that still isnt much. Like you said, it was mostly used to power a log splitter, that means that the the hours are mostly engine, not drive train.

If 25 HP will do the job I would be all over that machine. Call the dealer. You cant assume the loan, but I bet he can hook you up with Agri-Credit and you can get a loan.

11K for a 25hp hydro tractor with a FEL that is 3 years old doesnt sound far off to me.