I need to know which YOU would buy and why.

[Tom_H]

I see no mention of a FEL on either of these. A FEL is the most useful attachment you can put on a tractor. You will find a thousand ways to use it.

How much more would a FEL be on the new tractor? How much would it be for the older tractor, and is a Kubota FEL still available? You might check on Woods prices and availability as well.

If there is no FEL available for the older tractor, or if it would cost a lot more, that would push me toward the new tractor, especially if the dealer cut me a good deal on getting the FEL at the same time as the tractor.

 

[captin_insano]

I've never bought a new car and I've never bought a used tractor.

 

[Tom_H]

I've never bought a new car and I've never bought a used tractor.

In 2006, we paid $20,000 for a 2005 Sienna that cost $30,000 new. It had 19,000 miles on it. It now has 56,000 and has not had one problem of any kind. In 1990, I bought a 1982 Tercel with 166,000 mi. for $3600. I sold it in 2003,still running fine, for $300, @ 248,000 mi. It had virtually nothing more than regular maintenance in those years, and I sold it after a semi clipped the bumper and my wife insisted I buy something with air bags. I have never bought a new car and never will. I do, however, have vehicles inspected and get carfax reports before buying. That was a lesson I learned through experience. I did not do that on one purchase when I was younger, and I regretted it later. Buying new with warranty does have certain advantages, however I personally do not believe that "new" makes something hold the greatest value. A used vehicle, or tractor, that has been taken care of and that checks out under a mechanic's inspection can be a great money saver. Thankfully, each of us is free to do as he (or she) chooses. :thumbsup:

 

[Tractor Factor]

I see no mention of a FEL on either of these.

Hi Tom, you're right, I don't mention it, but that's because I already have one on my BX25, and I can't foresee any need for one on this second machine. From my limited experience (1 1/2 years), I'd agree with you that the FEL is by far the most useful implement for a tractor to have. If I get the new machine, I am making sure it comes with the loader valve so I'll have the option to add in the future.

New or used...whew, it can be a tough choice. I do the basic maintenance, but I'm no mechanic. High hours scare me a bit, even just for normal wear and tear. And the more I look around the more I find that well-kept, low hour machines hold their value well. If all I can save is 2 or 3 thousand on a machine with, say, 100-400 hours...well, for me, I think it may be better to just buy new.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Hi Tom, you're right, I don't mention it, but that's because I already have one on my BX25, and I can't foresee any need for one on this second machine. From my limited experience (1 1/2 years), I'd agree with you that the FEL is by far the most useful implement for a tractor to have. If I get the new machine, I am making sure it comes with the loader valve so I'll have the option to add in the future.

New or used...whew, it can be a tough choice. I do the basic maintenance, but I'm no mechanic. High hours scare me a bit, even just for normal wear and tear. And the more I look around the more I find that well-kept, low hour machines hold their value well. If all I can save is 2 or 3 thousand on a machine with, say, 100-400 hours...well, for me, I think it may be better to just buy new.

Say there is a new tractor for sale for $10000 and a used tractor with 10 hours for sale for $8000. Say you have cash to pay for them. New is 0% interest. I believe money wise they will be about same price by taking the free interest new one and putting the $8000 into some type of semi secure savings account and the new one will/could be cheaper if the same cash is invested in a more risky higher return investment or using the cash to pay off any other costing interest debt one has. I think the new one is the better deal with these numbers for anyone that has cash and no debt and a much better deal for anyone that has any other debt that can be paid off with the cash. If the $8000 has to be borrowed for the used one the new one at 0% is much, much cheaper. If the used one is $6000 and you are debt free and have the cash, go for the used. This is the plain simple math answer, basically undisputable, but let's move on to what is more important than the actual facts.
Now there is the value of good mental health and being able to sleep at night. My brother went thru a time of severe financial struggle at one time in his life. He is 2 years older than me and debt free. I've had times in my life that I've stopped spending, not been able to buy a new car and times I've had to buy a new car to get some cash out of the deal to pay off other debts. I have a lot of debt and a lot of stuff I can sell and be debt free and maybe be a bit better off than my brother finance wise. My brother can sleep better at night now and he still won't buy a Kubota and spend that much money. I live next door and will do what he needs with mine. He still wouldn't even if I didn't live next door. The mental well being has no price. There is some things worth more than money. I would be miserable if I lived like my brother and he would be miserable if he lived like me. I've bought several new cars and out of 130 cars I guess most of them have been new cars. To me the not dealing with repair shops and stranded on the side of the road is worth a couple of thousand dollars a year. I feel about the same way about tractors. There is no right or wrong (not allowing actual factual math) due to differences in our mental make up. Anyone who grew up in a home where their parents grew up in the depression and or ever faced some real hard financial times themselves are going to be more frugal since they heard about the depression during their formative years or suffered thru it themselves. Never bought a new car and are financially secure, then don't do it now, it will drive you crazy. Get sweaty when you think of that hugh repair bill and the tow truck driver killing you and your wife, buy new, always buy new.
Do the math and then pray for guidance for a revelation of your own personality. I will say to go with you heart instead of your mind for better mental health if you won't wait on the answer from the praying.

 

[tulenutn2o]

Ha, nope, she's a "one owner", I lucked out on my wife; met her at the age of fifteen and we've been together ever since; in our sixties now. She can be very much the lady, but likes tractors, motorcycles, ATV's/RUV's, deer hunting and is a great cook:thumbsup:

Can't beat that. Sounds like the perfect mate.

 

[timswi]

I've never bought a new car and I've never bought a used tractor.

Me neither