I can sure see your point if a 800 dollar Murray lasted you 10 years. If that is the mower you are happy with get another one. I always bought the cheap Sears mowers and got by with them. The last mower I bought was a 8000 dollar Ferris. I have never been sorry I bought it. It dose a better job of cutting the grass, much faster, and very few repairs. Also if you take good care of the more expensive mower it will last you for many more years then a 800 dollar Murray. You know your own finances so get what you are conformable with but if you can afford it you won't be sorry if bought the DC.