John,
Luckily I caught the updated pic on thier website before I made the trip. I just happened see the updated pic with "my" serial number on it and same model year, I e-mailed them and told them to make sure they didn't sell "my" mower by mistake since the other one they had for sale was listed with the same serial number. I then recieved a phone call 20 minutes later telling me it was the same mower, just weathered from sitting outside. I explained to the rep that I found it hard to believe it turned that bad sitting outside. The sales rep swore it was the same mower, just bad paint that woods was notrious for. I didn't make the trip to pick it up, just cancelled the check and told them no thanks. I would hassle if they were a little closer, but not worth my time or energy since they are 240 miles away. If I'd have purchased this and they tried to stick me with the deal it would be a different story.
I just figured that if it was a 2003 and a 9 out of 10 mower, it would be worth the money. Especially looking at the pick for a 5 year old mower. I figured it hadn't seen much use. Looking at the new picture this is obviously not the case.
I haven't named the company because I just don't know the circumstances, if that was what the rep was told by the shop, if he was new and didn't know different, if the picture was originally updated from a file photo until they had time to take a picture, etc, etc. To their credit they did not give me any hassle about backing out of the deal and said they understood. Didn't have much choice though based on the before and after pics.
**on a side note - I bought a woods phd65 post hole digger in 04 when I bought my first tractor, while it hasn't been left outside much, the paint on it seems solid, no flaking or peeling at all, may be due to its limited use though.