djw, here is my opinion and advice. Hope it helps. Have fun with the rest of your shopping. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
The debate whether to buy long distance or local is one that comes up from time-to-time. At first, $1000 looks like a lot of savings, but then you have to consider gas (my truck gets 10 mpg under load. This means I'd end up using a tank and a piece, so I'd spend between $100 and $150 depending on how much the gas company wants at that moment. Then you need to consider food. This adventure would take all day. Who would go with you, and where would you stop to eat. Sure, through in another $50 for that. Even if you make a couple small stops, you'll spend it. So lets be conservative and say that we are now actually down to a savings of $800.
Are you fearful of a long distance relationship? I'd guess that if you ever do any type of hauling, you probably are not. If you don't, you will be very doubtful as to whether you could pull it off. Personally, I haul a 5000 lb camper with gear up to 130 miles one way for weekend getaways often. With this form of recreation, I've spent many weeks researching proper trailer hitches, which start at $400 by the way, and I've logged a good bit of tow time on the roads. A deal 150 miles away for me would be acceptable. I wouldn't hesitate to take a Saturday morning trip in order to get paid $800. Nor would I worry about service. If I needed to take the tractor back to the place I bought it from for a major repair, which I would do by the way, I wouldn't hesitate. However, my boldness in accepting such a challenge comes from experience gained pulling around campers.
The first time I pulled a heavy load on the open road scared the *** out of me. The big trucks blew me everywhere. Foolishly, I had not completed my homework, and I hadn't invested in the hitch needed to make the trip as safe as possible. I learned my lesson. Did the research, and went out and spent the money. Still, I was very nervous on the few trips to come after that. Not to say that I am totally relaxed now when I head out, only a idiot would be so complacent.
If you are going to pick up this tractor yourself, the bigger question is… Do you want the hassle? Do you have a setup to make this a safe transaction? And most importantly, are you likely to ever trailer this tractor again. If the answer is no, then I'd buy locally in a heartbeat. However, if you are "BOLD ON THE ROAD WITH A LOAD" then go for it. But make it safe. You have not only your family, but that of the guy in the car next to you to think about. There is more than just a little money involved here.
If I were you and really wanted to buy locally, I'd drop the price of your local dealer by $400 and go make an offer. I wouldn't ask what he wanted again. You have already done this homework. Tell him you are going to buy today, so don't do this until you are ready to buy. If he says no, give him your cell number, and inform him that you will return to complete the deal if he calls before you make it to the next dealer. He may still scratch his head and say he can't. Smile, shake his hand, tell him that you are serious, and that you look forward to his call. IF HE LETS YOU WALK AWAY AT THIS POINT, HE WILL VERY LIKELY CALL YOU SOON AFTER YOU LEAVE. I've had very few turn me down when they know that I actually buying that day and am making a fair offer. If he lets you walk, buy from the other guy. If you can't do that either, Through the tractor purchasing idea back on the drawing board and look at your other local brands. Just be polite at all times. They will work with you if they sense that you are fair and willing to buy at that moment.
