Simplicity Citation 61...two questions about purchase

[olderbudweiser]

I've finally decided to get rid of the JD lawn tractor and get something with some zip to mow my 3 acres of lawn. I'm interested in the Citation 61" but I'm a novice about ZTs. The dealer's got a new 2012 on the showroom floor and said he'd give it to me for $6800...is that in the range of a fair price? I just want to know if it's reasonable; I'm not looking for the lowest price out there. I also wondered whether it makes sense to buy the 2012 model or get a 2013...does it make any difference? Thanks.
Vic

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I've finally decided to get rid of the JD lawn tractor and get something with some zip to mow my 3 acres of lawn. I'm interested in the Citation 61" but I'm a novice about ZTs. The dealer's got a new 2012 on the showroom floor and said he'd give it to me for $6800...is that in the range of a fair price? I just want to know if it's reasonable; I'm not looking for the lowest price out there. I also wondered whether it makes sense to buy the 2012 model or get a 2013...does it make any difference? Thanks.
Vic

Welcome to LawnMowerForum!
Yes that is a fair price. Buying a 2012 IS smart because it is often a lot cheaper than a 2013 with not much difference (if any) in features. :thumbsup:

 

[djdicetn]

I've finally decided to get rid of the JD lawn tractor and get something with some zip to mow my 3 acres of lawn. I'm interested in the Citation 61" but I'm a novice about ZTs. The dealer's got a new 2012 on the showroom floor and said he'd give it to me for $6800...is that in the range of a fair price? I just want to know if it's reasonable; I'm not looking for the lowest price out there. I also wondered whether it makes sense to buy the 2012 model or get a 2013...does it make any difference? Thanks.
Vic

olderbudweiser,
user LMF gave you some solid advice there.....and speaking fom experience, the 2012 Gravely I bought in September had a $300 price increase for 2013 and I saved approx. $1,300(out-the-door) compared to the MSRP(plus tax) for the same identical mower for 2013.

P.S.
I went to the Simplicity website and it shows the Citation XT in a 61" to be "Starting at $6,669"......that doesn't sound like the dealer offered a huge discount(and that's assuming the website is 2013 model prices...or they didn't change....and that the $6,800 was "out-the-door"). If I were you I would counter-offer $6,500(OTD) and see how the dealer reacts to your offer.
P.S.S.
My auto mechanic(and his son) own Simplicity ZTR's and they talk very highly of those machines!!

 

[olderbudweiser]

Thanks for the feedback LMF!

Welcome to LawnMowerForum!
Yes that is a fair price. Buying a 2012 IS smart because it is often a lot cheaper than a 2013 with not much difference (if any) in features. :thumbsup:

 

[olderbudweiser]

Djdicetn,

The $6,800 is not out the door; delivery but not sales tax included. I saw that $6,699 also; it had some qualifiers but the only one that made sense was the setup. In any event, I will definitely ask some questions. You're right; his price doesn't look that good after all. Thank you.

Vic

olderbudweiser,
user LMF gave you some solid advice there.....and speaking fom experience, the 2012 Gravely I bought in September had a $300 price increase for 2013 and I saved approx. $1,300(out-the-door) compared to the MSRP(plus tax) for the same identical mower for 2013.

P.S.
I went to the Simplicity website and it shows the Citation XT in a 61" to be "Starting at $6,669"......that doesn't sound like the dealer offered a huge discount(and that's assuming the website is 2013 model prices...or they didn't change....and that the $6,800 was "out-the-door"). If I were you I would counter-offer $6,500(OTD) and see how the dealer reacts to your offer.
P.S.S.
My auto mechanic(and his son) own Simplicity ZTR's and they talk very highly of those machines!!