Buying a used riding lawn mower has many benefits, but there is a scary risk of ending up with a lemon. There is no completely foolproof way of protecting your purchases online, but there are some things you can do to make sure you eliminate all the scammers out there.
Benefits of Buying a Used Unit
One of the largest benefits of buying a used mower unit is the savings. You can get more bang for your buck such as purchasing a larger and more powerful machine for less. The seller can also answer all your questions about the particular mower to put your mind at ease before you buy.
A Guide in Buying a Used Riding Lawn Mower
The below few factors are what our landscapers feel are the most important questions to ask when buying a used yet affordable riding lawn mower.
Engine Condition
The engine like Kohler or Kawasaki is the heart of the machine, so if the engine is in poor condition, we highly suggest you move on. As the age of the machine and what the seller has done over the years to maintain its condition. While you’re at it, ask what you can do to make sure it runs optimally for years to come.
Check these engines:
Reason For Selling
Why is the seller selling the mower? Make sure the reason seems legitimate, such as they are purchasing a unit more suited to their property size. If they don’t give a straightforward answer, then maybe avoid this purchase.
Price
Our experts warn against going for the lowest price on the market. More likely than not, they are priced low for a reason. Yes, you may get the occasional seller that just wants to get rid of the machine as quickly as possible, but it is generally riskier to base your purchase on the price alone.
Do your research on the market demand and prices before you commit to a purchase. If the price is too high or too low, then we suggest skipping over it. Or if you have a tight budget, you can look for used riding mowers under $500 near you.
Warranty Coverage
Is the unit still within the warranty [1] period? If so, then it’s much less risky for you. If not, then that means anything that is or could potentially go wrong cannot be fixed without spending more money.
Maintenance and Repairs Done
What maintenance and repairs did the seller do? Has anything ever been replaced and how well has the seller kept up with maintenance? These are important questions to ask as well. Large machines such as a riding lawn mower require constant care to run properly.
If the unit is relatively new and replacements have already been done, then that may indicate that the product isn’t of good quality.
Transfer of Documents
Our team suggests asking for a written purchase agreement where it states the lawn mower’s condition to the letter. It should also include items such as a full refund if the machine does not operate as described.
If there is any paperwork such as the warranty and guarantee that come with the unit, make sure the name and rights have all been transferred to you.
Conclusion
Avoiding a lemon when purchasing a used riding lawn mower comes down to asking the right questions. Our lawn care experts have listed the basic items to address, but feel free to ask as many questions as needed to make you feel more comfortable with the transaction. A reliable seller will make sure to answer everything to put your mind at ease.
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