I visited the tractor at the appointed time, checked everything out, drove it around, used the front bucket, everything looked brand new, tractor was inside shed, the backhoe attachment was not attached, but it was also in perfect condition and stored indoors.
I offered full price and the facebook messenger person started negotiating saying they had a 12,300 offer, and that many many people had contacted her and expressed interest.
I said I was present willing to pay full listed price, and didn't want to join an "auction" for the tractor. She went inside to verify if the owner would accept my full price offer, came out said yes, ........but......... I went through my facebook messages, and there was one other person who contacted me before you did who is interested, and would it be ok if she contacted me at 4PM after he got off work and came to investigate the tractor.
I said I was frustrated and disappointed in the approach, and she just repeated that she "wanted to fair with everyone" and was overwhelmed by the number of people who contacted her about the setup.
I repeated that I doubt if I would hear from her, and was disappointed, and fortunately the owner came into view and asked what the problem was, and the face book helper explained.
She thought for about 30 seconds and said he is her,e he's offering full price, sell it.
So... after the @#&*@(@( circle.. I am the owner of this tractor loader, and backhoe combo.
The hours were 154, and I ran it long enough to see that the hour meter was indeed working.
To the person who said that all the rubber would need to be checked, I agree, but it is heat more then age that causes rubber to deteriorate in my experience, and I am quite handy and can read the manual and change the fluids for a lot less then $500.
I have a B2100 from the 90's that has all original radiator hoses and it runs like a top.
I also avoided any sales tax which in my state would have been $750 on the $12k purchase.
Thanks to those who provided feedback and encouraged me to buy it, I was wanting something a little larger, but as this had the combination of loader and backhoe I am happy with the quality and the price I paid.
Pretty sure I could bump the price $2k, and then give somebody a deal with only a $1500 mark up.
Will post pictures when I drag it home, they insisted on cash, and wouldn't accept a check, or any kind of down payment, the owner said thank you and she is glad the tractor is sold.
She then made sure I had her cell phone number, and said Monday to pay cash and pick up would be fine.
Based on my experience I doubt if another person will be able to offer more $ and steal it out from under me, and if that happens, that is life.
The owner shook my hand and looked me in the eye, and the property was setting up a huge yard sale to sell the deceased owners items.
There wasn't even a hint of "hillbilly" or "grifter" in the group of people who where there helping.
So I think I am good
