As you can see I am biased to the MURRAY ...
I had 3 but sold 1, All bought used, (great prices) and all run great, What I like about the Murray brand is they are so easy to work on, ( I do all my own repairs and maintenance ) and THAT is something to consider. ANY machine you buy at a "Big-Box" store most likely will have you go to a "recognized service shop" for warranty work and other concerns,with the exception of SEARS, they will usually come to your place ( depending on your warranty) or take it back to WHEREVER to have the work done, sometimes they take forever to fix the problem IF at all, and SOMETIMES you get transport charges among "other-charges" . If you DON'T do your own repairs & maint. (AFTER ... your warranty expires) Then NEW is probably the way to go, and hope you can find a trustworthy mower-shop to have it worked on, OR you could buy from a mower shop, but know if they have Lawn-Service companies they repair , THAT customer(s) get priority attention .
SOooo you might consider a used machine, WHATEVER you buy, YOU will have to live with it ! Do you have a COVERED storage area for it ( big enough ?? ) or will you buy a "cover for it..?? leaving a machine out in the elements greatly shortens it's life span and causes the increase of repairs ( RUST NEVER SLEEPS ) UNdoubtledly you might get many other replies to your post, go through them ,then make your decision, I wish you happiness in your choice, PLEASE keep us up-dated, Happy Mowing.. Boobala ..:thumbsup: