Sub compact new vs used advice

[Rookie22]

Hi there.
Just joined your forum and this is my first post so hopefully I have posted correctly

I am interested in purchasing a subcompact tractor w/ backhoe. I started by visiting dealerships w/ the intention of purchasing a new unit to take advantage of 0% financing and a warranty. The 25hp kubotas, JD’s, and MF’s were all in the $25k-$30k range.

The MF dealer has a used 2018 gc 1720eb w/ 98hrs that appears to very well maintained. It appears to have been garage kept bc there is minimal uv damage or rust and eng compartment looks great. It actually looked better than some of the newer units that have been sitting outside at the kubota and mahindra dealerships.
I can get this 2018 gc1720eb for $14700 otd. Dealers agreed to throw in a full service to change all fluids which they said was valued at $500.

Do y’all think think this is a good deal? I just don’t know if I should spend the extra money to go new and get the warranty or roll the dice on the used one. Are there any things I should check or be concerned about since it is almost 7 years old? This would be my first tractor so I could use some advice. Thanks

 

[IndyIan]

With no emissions stuff, that used machine seems like a better idea. Do you trust the dealer? No bad google reviews where they sold someone a lemon? They shouldn't sell you a problem machine, but some dealerships might. Do some research on that model as its old enough to have any common problems well known already.
Look it all over, bottom to top, lay on your back and see if anything is cracked or any bolts loose, scraped off paint, lines bent. Drive it around in all the ranges, 4wd, 2wd, no odd sounds or clunks, try the backhoe, dig a hole. Pins in the loader and hoe should be tight, no slop. Look at the bucket edge, for any big dings or flat spot where someone had taken a run at a rock. Ask the sales guy what they do when they take in a trade in? I imagine they go over it pretty thoroughly.

 

[oldnslo]

98 hrs is just getting broken in so like Indy said look it over trust your gut.

 

[MarkMac]

98 hours is like a used car with 4,000 miles. Still near new.

That used one is half the price of new. I’d get it if it met my needs. Give it a thorough look-over before you buy. The odds of it grenading on you are pretty slim.

It’s become a buyers market, so try to negotiate with the dealer.

 

[Rookie22]

IndyIan​

Thank you for your reply. I am new to the area but dealer seems reputable w/ no bad reviews. I really appreciate your advice. I’m a sportfish captain on a rig w/ twin 2600hp mtu diesel engs, so I have a bit of experience looking for evidence of leaks and potential problems, but absolutely no experience w/ tractors. I like that you mentioned getting on my back to check beneath bc I did just that. She looks very well maintained. I saw no visible leaks or rust on the motor or any of the hydraulics. Could you please elaborate more on what I should be looking for w/ regards to the pins in the loader. Please let me know your thoughts on these pics. Looks like a solid machine but I’m a bit nervous purchasing an older unit as a newbie operator w/o a warranty. Appreciate your time and advice thank you

 

[Rookie22]

98 hrs is just getting broken in so like Indy said look it over trust your gut.

Cool thank you for your input

 

[Rookie22]

98 hours is like a used car with 4,000 miles. Still near new.

That used one is half the price of new. I’d get it if it met my needs. Give it a thorough look-over before you buy. The odds of it grenading on you are pretty slim.

It’s become a buyers market, so try to negotiate with the dealer.

 

[Rookie22]

I really appreciate your input. Thank you

 

[Rookie22]

98 hours is like a used car with 4,000 miles. Still near new.

That used one is half the price of new. I’d get it if it met my needs. Give it a thorough look-over before you buy. The odds of it grenading on you are pretty slim.

It’s become a buyers market, so try to negotiate with the dealer.

 

[Rookie22]

Thank you for your reply