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

 

[smstonypoint]

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!

1. Have you tried safety? "You know dear, the new tractor has a lot of safety features."
2. Can you try to work in something about your health and physical well-being? "You know dear, the used tractor has a seat that hurts my back." I've found this tactic can really work if you play your cards right.

Steve

 

[First one]

Just say " My love, I've always wanted a new tractor, just once before I die." I'd do anything for it:thumbsup:

 

[smstonypoint]

Just say " My love, I've always wanted a new tractor, just once before I die." I'd do anything for it:thumbsup:

Great idea!!:thumbsup:

But I would suggest dropping the "I'd do anything for it." You might end up regretting that statement.

Steve

 

[timswi]

Great idea!!:thumbsup:

But I would suggest dropping the "I'd do anything for it." You might end up regretting that statement.

Steve

That right there is sooooo true

 

[smstonypoint]

That right there is sooooo true

And, odds are, you will regret it, sooner or later.

Steve

 

[timswi]

And, odds are, you will regret it, sooner or later.

Steve

Oh..Sooner to be certain, and it'll hurt too

 

[goochy]

I guess I am different , I like lots of TOYS !! Jeeps, boats, dirtbikes, mt bikes,guns, I LOVE toys . I buy most of my toys used ( to save cash ) . I have two 3 acrea lots , so a tractor is a toy to me. Cut grass, grade the driveways , I aslo grade like 6 driveways for friends . So I do not need a new tractor , I just want a tight, good running used tractor . I am getting ready to buy a rental UNIT :confused2:, I get to rent it for 8 hrs before I buy it . Its been beat up , a few dents , tires worn , but for me $14,000 for a Kabota backhoe is alot better than $30++++ new one . I am needing to dig a few holes and clean up some areas , so a backhoe will be great !!! My ford 3000 was beat hard when I bought it 12 years ago with wore out rear tires , still runs great , still has wore out tires . Yes it needs TLC , ( its a 68-70 model ) but it will make someone a great tractor with TLC. If I owned a large track of land 50+ acreas I guess I would think different . But used works great FOR ME . Now I can buy MORE toys with the money saved :drool::thumbsup: You just have to shop around if a used one is $12,000 and new is $16,000 .... GO NEW .

 

[Piston]

I didn't buy you a used engagement ring, did I?

:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

If you really really want a brand new one, I think you CAN make the argument for it, I think there is a lot to be said for buying brand new, as long as you really do plan on keeping it many many years.
I wanted a brand new L5740 with cab and all the options, but the reality was, I just couldn't afford it, I wanted to buy it outright and that was just not in the cards right now.
I searched around for a long time, over a year, and I did come across many really nice tractors for good prices, but the timing was wrong. I finally settled on a very good condition L4610 with no cab, and accepted the fact that I'll be wearing my motorcycle heated clothing in the winter rather than playing in the snow inside a warm cab....
This tractor was garage kept and had low hours (500), it is an '02 bought as a leftover in '03.

The reality is that you CAN find a very good used tractor for a very good price, it just takes a long time and a lot of looking. Whereas you can go out tomorrow and buy a brand new one and know it has been cared for.

I still want my brand spanking new L5740 with cab, but I may or may not ever have one. However now I have my tractor that will do what I need, and then some. Also I'll be able to buy a boat in the next year or so as well, so my preference was to get a nice, used tractor at a good price.

Keep in mind that the 0% financing is VERY tempting, however don't be fooled into thinking your paying nothing for financing, a cash price will get you a lower price than 0% financing even brand new. When I went pricing out brand new 5740's they gave me a different price for cash and 0%.

If you can afford it, I say go for it. For me the wife said yes, and it was my ultimate decision to save the extra money. Plus, if no one ever bought new, there would never be any great deals for people like me, who buy used :laughing:

When all else fails, go with StLawrences advice above

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I bought my first Kubota BX2200 seven years ago and have bought eleven more "new" Kubotas. With the 0% financing and Kubota is offering a small rebate/discount now (haven't always) for cash. I think it was $700 on $12000 machine recently.
I was told by someone that had been around tractors most of their life and still is daily to never buy used. I have traded several in and sold one and all of them were still great low hours Kubotas but a new one would have been so close to the same price for a buyer that they would have only been attractive to a cash only buyer.
Can one find a good used tractor, yes. Can one find a good used tractor for a reasonable price, possibly in a life time but it will take time.
You've been given alot of good advise on what to tell your wife. Pick a few of them and try. Another good one is to walk around or sit around and just sigh alot, can you bring tears on demand? Add the sighs and tears to the other suggestions.

 

[whistlepig]

You can try the "used" approach. That's the wisest and most obvious first choice. I tried the "used" approach for a year. Strictly Kubota tractors. I looked at dozens if not a hundred used Kubota's. They were just flat ragged out and beat to death. And they wanted less than 20% over new price. I bought new and feel much better off.