Having problem selling Deere 318

ShowroomShine · May 29, 2014

I've had my 1989 318 with Model 10 trailer up on various locations of Craigslist for over a month. I've reduced the price from $2000 to $1900 to $1700 and now to $1600.

I've had a few emails on it asking if it had 3pt hitch or a pto, but nothing serious.

Not one serious person, not one offer...nothing.

Any other suggestions for websites to put it up on or ways to sell it?

George2615 · May 29, 2014

I don't know if your 318 has a rear PTO or a 3 Pt hitch (they were options according to tractordata.com). If not, then to most people its just a riding mower. A 1989 rider may be hard to sell at your price since you can buy new 17.5, 19, and 20 HP JD riders at home depot for $1500 - $1800. Hang in there. the right buyer isn't looking yet.

Code54 · May 29, 2014

Have you kicked around Ebay? The fees are there but things seem to sell and you have a VERY large audience. I had a fellow by an older tow behind lawn vac I rebuilt and he drove to WV from TX to get it????
The price was the same after my Ebay fees as I had it listed locally on Craigslist.

bobmisi · May 29, 2014

318's are a great tractor, but the market for used tractors has really dried up. People today would rather buy a new lower quality machine for less or the same price to get a useless warranty on a piece of crap made in CHINA. Another problem is Deere is not making all the parts for the older tractors anymore. Even the people restoring tractors are getting fewer and fewer. The younger generation is not mechanically inclined or interested in restoring or working on anything. Probably your 318 would sell in my area for 1000 to 1200 even in really nice condition, and it's worth every penny. Good luck................

Eric102 · May 30, 2014

Just sold my 87 318 on Craigslist for $1,700, the only option on it was the power flow bagger. It was in good shape but was probably going to need a new starter which didn't seem to bother the buyer as he had restored some other models before.

bg71361 · May 30, 2014

ShowroomShine said:
I've had my 1989 318 with Model 10 trailer up on various locations of Craigslist for over a month. I've reduced the price from $2000 to $1900 to $1700 and now to $1600.

I've had a few emails on it asking if it had 3pt hitch or a pto, but nothing serious.

Not one serious person, not one offer...nothing.

Any other suggestions for websites to put it up on or ways to sell it?

Hang in there you will find a buyer! Nice machine!

Gale Hawkins · May 30, 2014

bobmisi said:
318's are a great tractor, but the market for used tractors has really dried up. People today would rather buy a new lower quality machine for less or the same price to get a useless warranty on a piece of crap made in CHINA. Another problem is Deere is not making all the parts for the older tractors anymore. Even the people restoring tractors are getting fewer and fewer. The younger generation is not mechanically inclined or interested in restoring or working on anything. Probably your 318 would sell in my area for 1000 to 1200 even in really nice condition, and it's worth every penny. Good luck................

What George2615 and bobmisi state is the answer in a nutshell based on the market in our region as well. They are to new to be collectibles and if part sources are dying up that could be a show stopper.

While truly this machine has been well cared for today's buyers are into new cheap stuff. Actually I have moved to this way of thinking for lawn care from a cost management point of view. Buy for 5 years and discard can be the less expensive route unless you do all of your own work and you have the free time.

It is a niche market and the number of buyers are on the decline due to health and death issues and more are on the market for the same reason. I saw a mint very old Ingersol (sold by Case perhaps) last week going down a street near our new office location. The operator was 80+ I expect and most likely bought it new locally. There is no way my kids would be interested in an old riding mower because I have worn them out working on and operation our old stuff.

Gittyup · May 30, 2014

I suggest you offer to deliver locally. This might help as there will be candidate buyers that shy away because of delivery. I had my 425 on CL for a couple of weeks and interest was there but no one serious. I eventually sold it by putting it at the end of the street with a sign on it. Still had to deliver it to close the deal.