Yep, things are going downhill.
Mowers are being made to break down easier, and when they do, they need more expensive repairs.
Not to mention the increasing prices of buying new mowers.
My advice to anybody looking to buy a mower, would be to try and get a good used one rather than a crappy new one.
I sure find a good used (insert noun here) to usually be a much better long term value than a new, cheaply made one. It is very frustrating.:frown: Apparently this condition isn't limited to the United States, I gather..