I agree with a lot of what's been said already, although I have a gear drive 3400 and like it.
Get the QA bucket when you order, it's cheaper that way.
I agree with James about the rear hydraulic remotes if you can see a possible use for them. Unless you want to do it yourself it should be cheaper to ask the dealer to install them at the time you buy. I added my own for about 1/2 of the price the dealer wanted, but they weren't a dealer option at the time. I use mine for a power angle rear blade I have now, and a wood splitter to come in a few years.
Are loaded tires on the wish list?
The 3 point hitch is a bit "twitchy" on the economy L series tractors, there's a wealth of threads here about that. As far as we know, the
L3800 is the same. Before you buy, ask the dealer to mount the finish mower and raise it slowly. If it's too jumpy for you, there's no easy fix for that. We've learned to cope with it, but it's not perfect. Just so you know that going in.
A test drive is a great idea if both the HST and gear tractors are available. If not, I suggest you drive to a dealer that does have them, at least to try them.
Not much feedback yet about the
L3800 here, but the rest of the L series are good tractors.
As to the price, I'm in Canada. Your price sounds good to me, I paid nearly that for the tractor and FEL plus taxes 2 years ago.
Sean