I have a 2816 that was replaced by the 3016 and I love it. The 16 series tractors from what I have been told by multiple dealers is the "cream of the crop."
I have not had any trouble out of the 2816 with the exception of a minor oil leak at the oil pan. That was quickly fixed by tightening up the pan bolts.
The 2816 never ceases to amaze me. I would encourage you to look at the 3016. I don't think you will regret it.
My wife and I spent the last 6 months comparing tractors and prices. You will not regret the 3016 and I would say you will not get that much machine for your money with other brands. I was a loyal orange machine customer until we closed a deal on a 2516 a week ago. The 3016 is an awesome machine and built to work.
Its diffcult to talk price because you have to figure locale,cash or 0%,if he is a volume dealer,how long the product has been on his lot. All we can do is say exactly what our circumstance was and take it from there.