Buying Advice Wait for right used model, or just buy new

[rarvesen]

Since there are too many variables, this question might not make sense, but I'm trying to decide if it's better to buy new or wait for the right used model. Do you have a rough idea on the resale for used L-series Kubotas (25 - 35HP), not too old, in very good condition? Can you expect to pay 25%, 50%, 75%, etc. than an equivalent new model?

For the type of work I'll be doing I decided FEL, 4WD, and HST are important. I don't want something too small, and I don't want to pay more for something too large or unnecessary attachments. I'm worried that it can be a while to find the right used tractor, and when I do, I'm not sure how much cheaper it would be than just buying new. Thanks.

 

[JJZ 109]

Paying cash or financing? A lot of people will tell you to go new because you can get zero % financing. Combine that with the fact that tractors often hold their value and one a couple of years old many times isn't that much less money than a new one with attractive financing.
Just some stuff to think about.

 

[rarvesen]

Paying cash or financing?

I forgot to mention that factor, we would finance if they have 0%, otherwise pay cash.

 

[TripleR]

My next to last tractor was bought used because when I went to buy new, it had just come in on a trade and I lucked into it. It had been bought new there and serviced regularly, so I got all of the service records. I paid cash, so financing costs were not a consideration.

You might want to check all of the local implement companies to see if you are so lucky, but you will probably find it much easier to find just the right tractor buying new. Even buying new, picking the right fit is often difficult.

 

[JJZ 109]

My next to last tractor was bought used because when I went to buy new, it had just come in on a trade and I lucked into it.

Those deals are quite possible on occasion. Whoever got the JD 790 that I traded in got a nice 4 year old, garage kept 165 hr. tractor with not a scratch on it.

 

[easygo]

I bought used twice and no second thoughts. Both times I decided on the model and waited until one showed up on the used market. I payed about 70% on the first one and 60% of new price on second one. Second tractor came with more hours and scratches tho.

 

[TripleR]

Those deals are quite possible on occasion. Whoever got the JD 790 that I traded in got a nice 4 year old, garage kept 165 hr. tractor with not a scratch on it.

Yep, my son in law got a really good garage kept BX2200 when I decided to "upgrade" to a B. The only problem was I sold the tractor to him before deciding the B was just not for me and I wound up buying ANOTHER BX.

It was interesting on my next to last buy as the original owner had his Kubota ZTR, RUV and L5030 HSTC all brought in for service at the same time every year. When he brought them all in, he just happened to see a new L5740 open station that he preferred to the cab as he worked around trees and traded for it. When he came in, he had no intention of buying a new tractor and I had no intention of buying a used L5030 HSTC.

 

[300UGUY]

I bought a new L3400, HST, & loader. I looked for years, and found botas 5 years old were running within 2 or 3K of new. 0% financing made it a no brainer.

 

[jonyyuma]

I bought a new L3400, HST, & loader. I looked for years, and found botas 5 years old were running within 2 or 3K of new. 0% financing made it a no brainer.

This sounds like prices around here. I should have bought new too...Jy

 

[lzicc]

I ran into the same thing. These things hold their value, so getting a good deal on used can be hard.

I bought a new L3400, HST, & loader. I looked for years, and found botas 5 years old were running within 2 or 3K of new. 0% financing made it a no brainer.