Used L 3430 HST vs New L3240 HST

[geedub]

Yes john_bud, it's the 3 pt. capacity 24" behind the arms.

I might be confused about the value of 0 vs. 445 hours. I understand that isn't a large amount of time on a good tractor, but it's still exactly 445 hours of use. The question is how much is 445 hours worth of use worth?

Let's say that after adding tax on the new tractor and accounting for the benefit of paying over time at 0%, that the "out the door" difference between the two is $3000. Would you pay $3000 for 445 hours of tractor time? Also consider that the 445 extra hours you get with the new tractor includes newer and more user friendly technology.

Approached from another angle, if we get the new tractor and use it for 20 years the 445 becomes more significant as parts wear. We also get to enjoy the improvements that were made to the newer model. On the other hand if we sell the new tractor after a few years the lesser hours and newer technology would probably result in a significantly higher sale price than with the used 3430.

What do you get for $3000?

445 hrs of use which results in longer service or higher resale.
Newer and more user friendly technology.
A factory warranty and the good will of purchasing the product from the local dealer.
A known maintenance history.

 

[davitk]

Welcome back, Geedub. Just have that girlfriend of yours sign a blank check, take it and buy the one that gives you the most goosebumps. BTW I went and bought the L3240HST while you were hibernating. I sure do like it!

Dave

 

[geedub]

Hey davitk. From what I've been reading the 3240 is a nice little tractor. I believe Cindy thinks buying a new tractor is the same as buying a new car with significant depreciation on the day you buy it. I've been trying to convince her that it's different with tractors.

What do you think about $18,850 for a 3240 w/fel? I haven't asked the dealer to come down yet.

 

[john_bud]

It sounds like you have made your mind up about the new one! Nothing wrong with that.

I think that the price is good. Especially with the 723 loader.

There will be some depreciation - about what you see with the used one. That will hold steady with just a gentle drift down and not the plunge that a new car has where it is worth only 20% of purchase price after 10-12 years.

Buy it and stop the madness!

and I agree with davitk!

VOTE Farve for President - Driver for VP and KGB for Sec. of Defense.

 

[geedub]

Buy it and stop the madness!

I'm trying to help a women. If you know how to stop the madness please tell me. I stopped shopping for several months to let my patience build up.

It's true that I think the best deal is the new tractor.

 

[cschlaps]

I too was in a similar position in deciding between new and a slightly used tractor. In the end, I couldn't justify spending $14k-$15k for a used one without a warranty and without knowing the history of (ab)use when I could buy a new one for $18k. Even my wife agreed with me on that one.

Tractors just don't depreciate the way cars do.

So now I wait for delivery day...

 

[johnk]

I'd rather spend the extra bucks and buy new. At least you know you have a virgin. God knows what the other owner did with or to his tractor. Then the questions arise upon hearing the first odd noise. Did he bust a tooth off a gear, not change the oil etc and the list goes on and on.... I'll take new anyday... Warranties are great and also the piece of mind of what you have...Most anything not just tractors is for sale for a reason. Some of them are because of problems and it's like playing Russian Roulette....Sometimes there are 6 live rounds in the chamber!! I don't want to take that chance.

 

[machmeter62]

I also think the advancements made on the new HST where the throttle is an auto advance; instead of the constant noise, whether the tractor is working or not, would make an easy decision?? Buy new! Makes it more fuel efficient too!

 

[gkh7890]

Have you driven both of them? I absolutely love the 3240!!!! HOWEVER, I really have a tough time with that new pedal they have. The 3430 was easier for me....something to consider.

As for age & hours, average use (according to my conversations w/ several dealers in the Ohio and Indiana areas) should be around 100 hrs/yr. for the average owner.

Is $$$ an issue....I like new but I also like the best bang for my buck too! If you look at the used unit, check the owner's maint. records, get permission and open the ports/fill points and check the fluids, etc. You can always take a mechanic w/ you and check it out....just an idea.

I too am looking for a 32+hp CUT and I'm closely watching the used market....445 hours is nothing to be worried about IMHO. I really like the fact that Kubota makes 100% of their tractors vs. some of the others.

If you can't sell the finish mower, I'm sure you could trade it & the other implements on what you want??!!

Best wishes with your decision!!!

 

[geedub]

I agree with you all who would go with the new tractor but Cindy is another story, and it's her tractor after all. After starting this thread I found an even better deal on a L3130HST. It's a similar situation only this time the used tractor is way under priced I think. It's the tractor in this thread but the owner has also included a 6' Woods rotary cutter and 5' Woods box blade. I'm hooking up a trailer to go look at it today. It almost sounds too good to be true so I won't believe it until I see it.