Buying Advice New or Old?

[ohmyback]

Hello Everyone,
I have convinced myself I need a scut or a cut. I have always been the type that buys used cars, mowers etc.
The thing is with tractors the used ones that are in my price range seem a little rough. I want a FEL and plan on maybe pulling a rear discharge mower. I can find used bx's that are decent shape but add the FEL and the price jumps to almost new. I like the idea of having a warranty even though it looks like most times it is a non issue.
Would like to find a used diamond in the rough but afraid of buying someone's junk. Anyone else been on the fence?
How did you choose? Oh and thanks to everyone on this site, learn alot and laugh even more! :thumbsup:

 

[Baby Grand]

ohmyback,

Welcome to TBN - you've come to the right place with this question, and others with a lot more experience than I have will be along to give you some great advice. In the meantime, let me say that I know what you mean.

My first tractor purchase was new, for a few reasons:

I knew nothing about tractors, except I really wanted one, desperately needed one, and, by reading TBN for a few months, I knew what attachments it had to be able to run to do the work I had planned for it. I also didn't know anyone who knew anything about tractors, so evaluating the mechanical condition of a used machine was going to be real hit or miss proposition for me.

Like you, I found that the asking price for used tractors that I was interested in was not remarkably less than the asking price for similar, new ones. I didn't have much free cash at the time and the 0% financing allowed me to buy what I needed & wanted in a new tractor with a good warranty, which made it easier for me to sleep at night.

I have never had a moment of regret over that first tractor purchase & John Rebillard, over at R&S in Torrington, was very helpful in getting me a good deal on a great tractor.

Since then, I've bought a couple of used machines and have been very happy with these, too. By the time I was buying used, I had gained enough experience with how a good running machine should look, sound & feel, so buying was done knowing that I had some budget left over after the handshake for some small repairs and that the major systems were okay: hydraulics, engine & powertrain.

-Jim

 

[ohmyback]

Thank you Jim. Your experience is exactly how I feel. At least these tractors seem to retain some of their value. I am just really bad about not wanting to spend money. Looking forward to parking the wheel barrow and the snow shovel.

 

[nybirdman]

Keep looking for a good used tractor,they are out there.My BIL purchased a 1997 Kubota L3300 4WD

with FEL,front snow blower and 172hrs.,garage kept for $12,000.Even had the original filters.........
I would have bought it if he hadn't and I really don't need another.

 

[2458n]

Some of the government auctions offer good value. It is your money and they spend it for new before the old is worn out.