Hi there reupop,
Like OJ said, "I'll give it a stab...
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 1.) Do you go to the dealer and tell him what you want. Or determine it before going.)</font>
It is always better that you know a little about what you want and what you'll be using it for. So evaluate your needs and be prepared to relay this information to the dealer. That way you can have the dealer show you tractor(s) that fits your needs more closely than a wild guess. Sit in them and test them out. You can always ask him...have him show you about the functions and features and specs of each tractor. Then you can compare or make notes about what you like best and what fits your needs best. Ask lots of questions.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 2.) How far should you go to find one, distance of dealer from my property, go local or shop 50 mi radius.)</font>
That is up to you...it is determined by what you can live with and how much you intend to use his services. If tractor prices and dealer reputation are the same, the closer dealer is more accessible and less costly if he charges for pick and delivery when servicing your tractor because of proximity. On the otherhand, sometimes a dealer farther away will sell the tractor cheaper but his service calls are more expensive. For example, lets say you bought the tractor from a dealer closeby but his price is $1,000 more and his p/u and delivery for service calls is only $100. The farther dealer (was $1,000 cheaper) but charges $200 per service p/u and delivery...you would need to have 10 service calls done to save that $1,000. That may take several years to break even? With that in mind, I'd buy from the farther dealer saving $1,000 up front and hope I never have to get her serviced. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Then again if you decide to service the tractor yourself and are pretty handy, it may not be as important to you. This opens up a larger tractor model market and perhaps substantial savings or additional implements.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 3.) do dealers stick to the price or is it like a car dealer where there is room to negotiate the price.)</font>
There is always room to negotiate. Including price negotiation, you can also do it in terms of extra service, transportation, implements or parts, etc.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 4.) Check his business out and response to tractor problems in and out of warrenty.)</font>
Always a good practice. A good dealer is a key ingredient to a pleasant tractor owning experience.
