The best thing I learned from this site

[truckin88 104]

So there was an add on CL for a newer toro badged 310-8 w/ bagger he was asking $525. The pics were vague. I called he was 10 min from my house. I showed up this morning, truck trailer cash equipped. To be fair, he was a really nice guy and the tractor was not bad but it was rough in spots (surface rust, paint peeling), it really needed a repaint or at least major touch up, new decals, floor mats, and a seat. The hour meter was not original and showed 800+. The Engine and Tranny were sound in all gears high and low and the deck was quiet. But I really looked this one over. It needed tie rods, as they just popped off, gas gauge cap, tranny dip stick (there was a bolt to plug it), tires were worn but holding and a solenoid (we had to jump with a screwdriver to start), I didn't even look at belts.

He had put new fuel and air filter and battery. To be fair the tractor was solid, the bagger/deck was decent. Probably after $200 in paint and parts it would be a nice machine.

I thought I was fair I offered $400 (maybe even high, but it was only 10 minutes away). He would not move from $500 because of the new battery and filters. Maybe he will get it, he would probably have to fix the solenoid, because I don't see many people buying a tractor that you need to jump. I walked on this one.

If there was a plow I'd pay $500.

[Michael Bullington 5]

Sounds like a good offer to me ...people dont realize what it cost to start replacing all these parts and not to mention the time it takes..plus your taking a chance on the engine...Im just rebuilding a mag 12hp right now ...already spent around $600 in parts :D

[rmaynard 15,425]

It's tough to walk away. However, you had the advantage of being close enough that if either party changed their minds, you could go back.

The real problem comes when you drive a couple of hours. You have to make that decision on the spot. When it comes down to it, you usually take the chance and buy it anyway because you don't want a wasted trip.

I think you made the right decision.

Bob

[Ken B 3,164]

It's tough to walk away. However, you had the advantage of being close enough that if either party changed their minds, you could go back.

The real problem comes when you drive a couple of hours. You have to make that decision on the spot. When it comes down to it, you usually take the chance and buy it anyway because you don't want a wasted trip.

I think you made the right decision.

Bob

You hit the nail on the head Bob. I once made that mistake a while back of going to look at something 3 hrs away. I bought it because I didn't want to come home empty handed and I was tired of looking, and for that I wound up with the biggest piece of crap ever! (it was a boat I no longer own)

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

Good job with "selective" buying !!

[rickv1957 72]

Been there and done that,good decision!,Rick

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

Will,

was it this one ?

You think he would have at least given it a bath and 2 shots of Amorall for that asking price !!

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[truckin88 104]

Not the one, this one had a bagger.

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

Yeah, I guess not, this guy only wants $500 , not $525.