new vs. used

[gregfender]

Another question for the guys who have already been there. What are some of the pros/cons of new vs. used machines? I am leaning way in the direction of new because i don't want to inherit anyones problems, but I need a little more ammo to convince someone in particular that this is a lifetime investment, etc. Trust me, I have used all the arguements I know...and I'll even appreciate the tounge-in-cheek responses!

 

[stlawrence]

Boy, am I with you in this one, Brother. I'm having the same, well, ahem, discussion.

"But can't you buy a used one?"

Well, sure, but:

1. I don't know how it was treated. Tractors can be used rough, you know.
2. Warranty - if I buy it new, I know how it's maintained, and I get the full warranty.
3. I just want it, want it, want it! Can't you see? I didn't buy you a used engagement ring, did I?

 

[bp fick]

The only real argument is the "let's keep our money" for an emergency, other things, etc. With zero financing, it is easier to argue "all we will put out is that $225 a month". We'll keep our $12K on hand.

Ask that other important person if they are comfortable wiping out $12 K in cash?

That is about the only winning argument, to my thinking.

Married to the same good women for almost 40 years. I will say that they almost always know best.

Or at least, that's the way they see it.

 

[johnrex62]

Lets say you can find a used tractor in pristine condition with no issues with it. Now you have to decide if the used price is a fair trade for the lack of warranty and dealer support.

Now, lets look at real life for a minute. How often can you find a used tractor for sale that doesn't have some issue with it. How often can you trust that the issues you can see are all that there is?

Now in my case, when I went looking I could not find a used Kubota with a lower price than I could get the brand spanking new one for. My choice was to buy a rough 20 year old unit for 5k or a decent 5 year old unit for 22k or a brand new unit for 19K. It wasn't a tough decision.

Now if I could find a decent 20 year old unit for 5K I might have considered it; but not being a mechanic or even familiar with tractors, not to mention I could not find anything like that, I decided the peace of mind having the new unit with warranty was worth the extra investment.

 

[JimRB]

Tractors can be used gently.
If they can last 50+ years buying a 5 year old one with low hours should be fine.
Warranties are for machines that are crud. Buy a good machine. (Tongue in cheek)
Friend bought a used MF35 tractor. Had to change the gear oil as it had water leaks that got into the gear oil. Redid the steering column bearings. Worked fine for 15 years for him. He stores it in a shed so it does not suffer more water in the oil problems.
Another neighbor got a used JD. 2040 I think but maybe probably bigger as I think it had a 4 cylinder. Works fine and has made hay and mowed with a 10 foot Bushhog.

That said I bought new primarily because I was buying something I could not afford but I thought I could afford $300 a month for 60 months. Never had a warranty claim on the tractor. Even my rare rough using was not very rough. I guess my tractor will still be working when I hit the grave in another 40+ years.

 

[MF 1532]

I went through your situation a few months ago . I ended up with a new Massey Ferguson 1532 . They offered a free fel , 3 year warranty , and for the price I couldn't find a used one for a big enough price difference . If you haven't already , go to Tractorhouse .com , find the model your looking at to get some ideas . Then go to dealer and compare . For me the choice was a no brainer , but I am not saying that would be the best choice for everyone . Wish you good luck in finding and purchasing your tractor . Have fun , hope this helped you .

 

[zzvyb6]

I bought new (but an older model) after being advised that for haying you need the tractor on the day the weather breaks. I wanted diesel for fire and fuel economy reasons.

All my other machinery is old and used. The tractor is the only thing that I've never had to tear into to repair or refurbish.

If you are handy with tools, have the tools, and have the time to straighten out other people's messes, have at it. Buy it for life, though. That means not to small or too big.

My requirements: Live power, 4wd, easy on/off loader, loaded tires, trailerable, successful local dealers around, name brand, fits in the barn, and enough power to run hay equipment.

I made the right decision of a JD 1070 after borrowing a JD 4020, IH 1066, Yanmar 220D, JD 4430. That was about 25 years ago and I've never had a single regret. Added a snow plow, pto generator, 7ft' finish mower, 6' box blade, post hole digger and an 8' landscape rake.

The one surprise is all the things you can do with a loader that are not typical loader bucket functions.

 

[reichebrown]

When we bought our 2305 new we searched and searched for used machines. We just could bring ourselves to pay 60-75% of what a new machine would cost for something someone else has beat on. And at 0% for 4 years you cant beat financing like that.

 

[MF 1532]

It looks like your getting a lot of good information for the "closing arguement". I don't know your situation , but after 25 years I've learned to pick my battles . Good Luck !

 

[k0ua]

Everyone has to go through the used tractor thing at first, I bet the wife and I looked for 6 months for a "good used" tractor before we bought our first tractor ( a new one). All we found were old 8n fords and trashed out backhoes. I bet we spent $100 on gas driving all over God's creation. and looking at junk. The other type we found were good tractors at about the same or higher prices than a new one. Some may have had better luck at finding a bargain but we sure didn't. And now with the 0% financing you would be a little silly to buy used in my opinion. Just bite the bullet, and sign on the line, and get what you want, and get the backing of the dealer, and peace of mind. That's what I would do/did.
James K0UA