By 
For individuals who have even a small piece of land to manage, a garden tractor is an indispensable asset. These riding mowers efficiently handle grass-cutting tasks and enable you to tow various attachments such as tillers, seeders, aerators, and more. But, brand-new garden tractors cost thousands of dollars. That’s why many homeowners and small acreage owners look to the secondhand market when it’s time to buy. Purchasing a used garden tractor saves you a ton of money upfront.
Reduced depreciation
Expenses associated with any new vehicle purchase, including garden tractors, are depreciation. The minute you drive that new tractor off the lot, it loses a chunk of value. A new garden tractor may depreciate 30% or more. When you buy used, the largest portion of depreciation has already occurred. While a used tractor will continue to depreciate, it won’t be comparable to a brand-new model. It makes your used tractor hold its value better should you decide to sell it down the road.
Established reliability
New model garden tractors often have bugs that need to be fixed. Early production units may have flaws that lead to costly repairs. Manufacturers usually get these kinks worked out in later model years, but if you buy new you could get stuck with a problem tractor. When you purchase used equipment that’s a few years old, any major reliability issues should be resolved. You research the specific model year you’re considering to check for common problems. As long as the particular tractor you’re looking at is well-maintained, you’re less likely to encounter issues down the road.
Lower maintenance costs
New tractors often require more frequent oil changes and tune-ups during the break-in period. With used equipment, this has already taken place. You’ll still need to follow the recommended maintenance schedule, but costs should be lower than a brand-new model. Potential previous wear items like belts and hoses have been changed as well. If you inspect the tractor thoroughly and address any issues before purchase, you will minimize maintenance costs.
Wider selection
The garden tractor market is robust, with models available from many major brands. Dealers usually only stock the newest models and a limited selection of attachments and accessories. It allows you to find a tractor that perfectly suits your property. Online classifieds and auction sites give you access to hundreds of used tractors locally and nationwide. You research for the right brand, size, features, and price range. A larger selection gives you a better chance of finding your ideal used garden tractor.
Chance to negotiate
When you visit a dealership looking for a new garden tractor, there’s usually little room to negotiate. You might be able to get the seller to throw in an extra attachment or a discount on an extended warranty. But the sales price on the tractor itself is fairly fixed. The secondhand market is far more flexible. Private sellers expect buyers to make offers and are willing to negotiate. Even dealers selling used equipment have more wiggle room on pricing.
Comments