Buy new Toro or buy used?

[donnieu]

I'm having difficulties with current mower. Might post in repair forum side. But considering buying something.
I am semi-competent at tearing them apart and minor repairs, so would consider low priced used mower.
Don't want self-propelled. $369 Toro 140cc seemed to have the best reviews for under $400 basic push mower.
Haven't seen any reasonable priced used Toro.
Hondo's have best reviews but well-used Hondo is around $300.
Can get used recent year Troy-Bilt 21 inch for $200 with Briggs engine.
Others like Murray etc with Briggs engine are around $100 to $150 used.
Found a Kohler engine XT model for under $100, but it has a couple of terrible reviews. Owner says it runs ok.
Which way to go?

 

[Auto Doc's]

All of them have a potential of being good if they have not been abused by lack of maintenance or used to constantly mow in rocks or sand.

Anything you look at used, make sure the oil is not burnt black, and the blade is in decent shape.