If I was going to buy a new lawnmower (I'm assuming we are talking about walk behinds) the ONLY one of get is a Honda HRX217HYA. Middle of the road price, around $800 or so. Not a cheapie but not a full commercial for twice that. YouTube it and you'll see why it's such a good choice. I have an older (early/mid 80s) HR219 that's basically the same thing only in a 19" deck. It's amazing to use. The rotostop works great, always easy starts, drive system is awesome. Mine only has two drive speeds but the newer ones have an infinite setting of speeds between low and high. Check it out if you want a good mower that will probably outlast you. My .02.