Looking to buy a new or used L3902 0r 3901 opinions?

[eddy20]

I have settled on a L3901 or L3902. I'm in CA, and thought a low hour one would be available. But, it seems sellers are asking new prices for used tractors. I'm looking for less than 5 years old and less than 300 hours, but with the prices and Kubota offering % financing and of course getting a new tractor with warranty makes sense, opinions?

 

[TheOldHokie]

I have settled on a L3901 or L3902. I'm in CA, and thought a low hour one would be available. But, it seems sellers are asking new prices for used tractors. I'm looking for less than 5 years old and less than 300 hours, but with the prices and Kubota offering % financing and of course getting a new tractor with warranty makes sense, opinions?

I am in MD and a year and a half ago the situation was the same. I bought new.

Dan

 

[PaulL]

US market seems to make sense to buy new. Used tractors aren't much cheaper, and financing deals are just so good. And I think the 3902 is a useful upgrade on the 3901. If there's not 25% save in a low hour used, then I'd take the financing and get the 02 model.

 

[PortTackFarm]

Some "big ticket" items depreciate a bunch as soon as they are purchased like new cars and some SUV's so purchasing slightly used makes a lot of sense. It seems tractors and trucks don't work that way, especially in today's market. Factor in special offer financing, rebates and of course warranty and you're better off buying those things new.

 

[JimmyJazz]

There seem to be some relative bargains emerging in the used tractor market (finally). Don't forget that there is generally room to haggle the offered price. I have bought a lot of things including houses by offering meaningfully below the asking price. Some find this offensive but it needn't be. Identify the prices the model you are interested in bring at auction for a good baseline. Go to auctiontime.com for the info. Good luck.

 

[jimh406]

I'd also consider a L3560, L3560LE, L4060, L4060LE, and MX5400 with the optional higher capacity loader.

 

[ZTMAN]

Don't forget about the new models:

 

[rehkram]

Buy new, with 0% finance and no money down. I was shocked at how much we could get our L3902HST for. It's now coming up to 100 hrs, no issues, and no auto regens as yet. We run it at the recommended 2K rpms or higher (PTO revs) 99% of the time. Gotta love the PTO actuator switch, suspension seat, front work lights, brake pedals on the left side.

We traded in a '78 Deere 2240 with PTO generator and the dealership was all over it because they were short of good used stock. So if you've got something to trade go for it, or just go for it anyway. So far, zero regrets about buying the L3902HST here.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

When I think of buying used I think either patience and not being picky is important…for me it seems I find used deals when not looking. If used and new prices are close to me it’s a no brainer…get the warranty, insurance, and finance our dollars that are quickly being devalued (I am not aware of the downside in this economy)…and then if really leaning towards new…maybe price a couple other machines…there may be some surprises (depending on which features you do or don’t need for your planned uses) as you look to some other models and you may be able to get a whole lot more machine than you would think. Then I think spend some time setting on the models considering and check the location hand and foot (brake, treadle,etc) controls, seat/suspension, tilt wheel, etc…and see if you have any preferences.

 

[Impala]

Last 2 tractors I bought new due to the used market. Other one I just got lucky. Problem is if ones comes up for a decent price it will be gone in 1 hour. I have a L3302. I think the 02 is worth the upgrades anyway. If you find a 33 it may be worth considering. Same motor just different tuning. Plus as someone mentioned with bank rates these days if Kubota is running special financing it will be cheaper than a bank. You don't have to take the KTAC insurance either as long as it is insured.

 

[Guardian64E]

Hello,

New to owning a tractor and this forum so trying to learn about both! I found and purchased this tractor very quickly as I thought is was a great deal and was within a reasonable distance to pickup. As I've seen mentioned, the used market is insane with pricing and can make more sense to purchase new.

Having said that I found this 2020 L3901DT including loader with skid steer quick attach. No 3rd function, just the 2 for loader. Came with loader bucket and Land Pride pallet forks. In the rear, Land Pride QH10 hitch and 4 foot rotary cutter. Tractor really clean, no leaks or noticeable wear and runs great with 278 hours. Everything works well with only problem I have found is right side loader quick attach plate is bent out about 1/2 inch. As a result I have to pull it in with ratchet strap to get bucket on. Pallet forks fit no problem.

What is a approximate value of this setup?

 

[Cathy Liebchen]

$22000

 

[Fordtech86]

I found and purchased this tractor very quickly as I thought is was a great deal and was within a reasonable distance to pickup.

What is a approximate value of this setup?

 

[PaulL]

Heh. Are you selling it again, or looking for affirmation that you got a good deal?

My general rule is that once I buy something I stop asking about the price. I once bought a car, and then stupidly asked a different dealer for a price. Which was cheaper, but too late to back out of the deal I had. All it did was make me sad.

 

[ajschnitzelbank]

I had a similar experience to others when shopping last year in NY. Used prices were high (and availability low) so I ordered new. At the time I got 0% for 84 months with $0 down. Can’t beat that with a stick. Only downside is the wait time.

I’d also go for the 3302, because it has brake pedals on the left. That’s part of the reason I went with a 4701.

 

[Guardian64E]

Partially affirmation but mostly to decide how fast I want to pay it off. I'm factoring potential interest into total cost to me.