2005 Super Recycler (20058) with electric start

[Retiredgunny]

Howdy, old, retired Marine. Looking for a good used mower for my Son-in-Law/Daughter as a housewarming gift. The amount of used mowers for sale on places like Facebook is staggering and overwhelming. Just when you think you found "the one" you read reviews and move on. There is a 2005 electric start super recycler near me that appears to be in perfect working condition with manual, bill of sale, etc.. for $345. Was $714 new. Does this seem like a decent deal? I am also debating FWD vs RWD. Their new home is quite nicely landscaped with many beds but mostly flat with a gentle slope to the front yard. Thanks for having me.
Gunny

 

[Auto Doc's]

That much for a 20-year-old mower is unreasonable. At best $200 cash would be a decent offer. An electric start is going to be trouble.

How big is the property to be mowed?

 

[sgkent]

That is too much for a 20 year old mower. Here the FB market place pages are full of those for $25 - $75. The other part of it is that if it needs any work or parts, you can easily drop another $200 - $300 in it.

 

[GearHead36]

Mostly flat lawn... I'd skip self propel. I have a Toro Recycler with Personal Pace and electric start. You will need to keep the charger plugged into it all the time. And the Personal Pace system will need to be adjusted every season. I got the electric start and self propel so my kids could use it. If I were getting it for me, for a flat yard, I'd get a non self-propel, non electric start, simple mower with side discharge, mulching, and bagging. Those can be had for $100 or less.

 

[Retiredgunny]

Thanks for the replies. I agree about the price and did not inquire about it. I ended up finding one right in town for $125. No bag, but the bags are tiny anyway and if my Son in Law wants one, he can buy one. His yard is about 1/4 acre at most. The front yard does have a gentle slope so I think the RWD will be nice. I used it to mow a section of my 1 acre property and it works great. I use a Hustler zero turn and haven't pushed a mower in 25+ years so it was a bit of a chore.

The paint on the deck still looks great and while I did not think I would like the personal pace system, it took no time to appreciate it. Being able to keep the mower running with the blade disengaged is nice too.