Buying Advice how do you verify a good tractor found online
- Thread starter FrankX
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Tim640
Member
I've done a lot of shopping for tractors, cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc over the Internet, and here are my own rules of thumb. Your mileage may vary...
1. I try to buy from original owner, so I can learn as much as possible about how the thing was used and service. The more service records, the better. (With certain cars, for example, I won't touch it without complete service records.)
2. For something like a tractor, I try to find out if it was dealer serviced, and if so, try to find out where and see if owner has any complaints if I contact the dealer and see if they know the machine.
3. If it's not being sold by a dealer, I sometimes ask the seller if they'd mind getting it over to a dealer for a pre-purchase inspection, which I pay for. That's $150 or $200 well-spent. That's a little awkward if it's being sold by a dealer though.
4. If it is being sold by a dealer, I found out where the machine came from: was it a customer trade-in? The ideal scenario, in my mind, is a one-customer trade-in where they've had a long-term relationship and have done at least some of the service. Sometimes dealers will offer me the previous customer's name and number, so I can talk to them directly. That's always good.
5. Obviously pictures are necessary - the more, the bigger, the more clear, the better. Many indicators of overall condition can be seen in pictures, but they don't tell the whole story and they're always better than the thing is in real life.
6. If something doesn't sound right, if you have any reservations, walk away. I've ignored that little voice that says something isn't adding up before, and regretted it.
7. Learn all you can about the machine (by searching TBN, for example), and identify all the weaknesses and potential trouble spots for that particular model and set of equipment. Compile a list of questions that cover these areas, and also questions about general service history and oparation. As you go through those questions with the seller, you'll quickly get a sense for how committed to maintenance they were, how much care they took, and how well they understood the machine. My favorite type of seller? The perfectionist who obsesses about maintenance and apologizes if there is a small crack in the seat or something.
8. Sorry to be wordy, but my final tactic is this: if you cannot go there to see it in person, and you do not have an arrangement with the seller to back out if you don't like what you see, then don't risk more on a deal than you're prepared to lose. I bought a motorcycle for $2500 sight-unseen, and had it shipped. That's the only time I've ever done that. It worked out, fortunately, but I put a lot of scrutiny into that deal and it was actually better than I anticipated.
1. I try to buy from original owner, so I can learn as much as possible about how the thing was used and service. The more service records, the better. (With certain cars, for example, I won't touch it without complete service records.)
2. For something like a tractor, I try to find out if it was dealer serviced, and if so, try to find out where and see if owner has any complaints if I contact the dealer and see if they know the machine.
3. If it's not being sold by a dealer, I sometimes ask the seller if they'd mind getting it over to a dealer for a pre-purchase inspection, which I pay for. That's $150 or $200 well-spent. That's a little awkward if it's being sold by a dealer though.
4. If it is being sold by a dealer, I found out where the machine came from: was it a customer trade-in? The ideal scenario, in my mind, is a one-customer trade-in where they've had a long-term relationship and have done at least some of the service. Sometimes dealers will offer me the previous customer's name and number, so I can talk to them directly. That's always good.
5. Obviously pictures are necessary - the more, the bigger, the more clear, the better. Many indicators of overall condition can be seen in pictures, but they don't tell the whole story and they're always better than the thing is in real life.
6. If something doesn't sound right, if you have any reservations, walk away. I've ignored that little voice that says something isn't adding up before, and regretted it.
7. Learn all you can about the machine (by searching TBN, for example), and identify all the weaknesses and potential trouble spots for that particular model and set of equipment. Compile a list of questions that cover these areas, and also questions about general service history and oparation. As you go through those questions with the seller, you'll quickly get a sense for how committed to maintenance they were, how much care they took, and how well they understood the machine. My favorite type of seller? The perfectionist who obsesses about maintenance and apologizes if there is a small crack in the seat or something.
8. Sorry to be wordy, but my final tactic is this: if you cannot go there to see it in person, and you do not have an arrangement with the seller to back out if you don't like what you see, then don't risk more on a deal than you're prepared to lose. I bought a motorcycle for $2500 sight-unseen, and had it shipped. That's the only time I've ever done that. It worked out, fortunately, but I put a lot of scrutiny into that deal and it was actually better than I anticipated.
dodge man
Super Star Member
Well, I'm old fashioned, I look at it. If Texas is to far for me to go look at an item, I look else where. I've known people to buy cars without looking at them, but not me.
The company is Noonday Tractor & Auction, the machine only has 110 hours, per their advertisement. I'm going to try hire someone to take a look, that is if I can find someone. This is nerve racking, but their are no 790's in this area, so I'm forced to look elsewhrere. You guys are making good points and are making me nervous about making a deal. I have pictures and the machine looks good and clean, I asked about a guaruntee and was told, when you get it and it blows up give us a call. The problem with that is they have the money. I plan on having the machine sent to the local John Deere dealer, but that still guaruntees nothing. So I'm still listening to you guys and my wife, whose opinion I do respect so let me have it, if you can think of anything else. I have already received the writen sales offer with wiring instructions, so I'll sleep on it and see what feed back I have later. Thanks for your responces.
DAY
Platinum Member
There are places on the internet that list used tractors for sale- with photos- so you can compare prices.
Maybe some one here that is close to the machine would be willing to go take a look at it.
Tell them to "show you the CarFax!" (oh, that is just for cars. . .
)
Maybe some one here that is close to the machine would be willing to go take a look at it.
Tell them to "show you the CarFax!" (oh, that is just for cars. . .
)
PossumHound
Gold Member
Is this the tractor?
2007 JOHN DEERE 790 Less than 40 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com
Not the same auctioneer/dealer but 110 hrs, same year- this one looks great, but you might consider hiring an agent to inspect it for you. That is, find a dealer or tractor mechanic in the area different from the seller and contract with them for a fee to go inspect the unit (anonymously?) and report to you on the tractor condition. If you can do that for less than the price of the trip to inspect it yourself you're $$$ ahead but still have some piece of mind.
If this unit at Tractor House isn't the one you're looking at at least you still have a good price comparison for the region.
PH
PossumHound that is the tractor. I thought it looked good. I am with all of you, I am going to look for either a John Deere dealer or a service company that will take a look and let me know if it is what they say. Keep the suggestions coming and I will let you know what I do. Thanks
tmajor
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2007
- Messages
- 666
- Location
- NE PA
- Tractor
- 2010 MF 1529, Woods ZTR MZ1952, National Mower sickle bar circa 1963
2008 $8500 179 hr.s Alabama
There seems to be a slew of 790's for sale ... that throws a flag up, for me.
2008 John Deere 790 Tractors | HANEY EQUIPMENT CO. ATHENS, AL
There seems to be a slew of 790's for sale ... that throws a flag up, for me.
2008 John Deere 790 Tractors | HANEY EQUIPMENT CO. ATHENS, AL
blueriver
Elite Member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2007
- Messages
- 4,821
- Location
- S.E.Oklahoma
- Tractor
- JD 5520 Montana 4340 Farmall Super A Montana 5720C
I'm sending a P.M. ... my company offers condition reports on tractor.
Hi blueriver,
Thanks, I have been in contact with a John Deere dealer in that area, I plan on talking to them in the morning. If all goes well they will take a look for me.
I will post tomorrow how things are going and if they can help me. Thanks again! Frank
Thanks, I have been in contact with a John Deere dealer in that area, I plan on talking to them in the morning. If all goes well they will take a look for me.
I will post tomorrow how things are going and if they can help me. Thanks again! Frank