I bought the GT3000 in 2002 for $2200. How one cares for their equipment is the most important part of a purchase. I have just under six acres and the GT has taken care of this place entirely after having a fellow come and bush hog the place when I first bought our place. Sure I replaced belts several times and blades several times due to rocks pushed up from frost. Two batteries, oil changes, spark plugs and fuel filters. I've had to remove the deck to clean, prime and paint a few times. I purchased a sleeve hitch, plow and pull behind tiller to put in a 1/4 acre garden each year which helped earn it's keep, keeping us fed. Today it still is in service for just mowing as I have moved on to larger equipment for gardening.
In the time I've owned my GT my brother has had four of the big box store units and had to spent a lot on repairs with only 1 1/2 acres to care for. He stores his in a shed with no floor and has had his wiring chewed more times than I can count. I don't think he ever changes his oil or replaces plugs, so my point is if you have more money than sense it really doesn't mater what you purchase.