Ariens!

$500 for a repair sounds absurd. What happened to it? You can get used quality snowblowers from the '90s for less than that.

If you're buying new I'd probably go Ariens first, then Simplicity, then Toro. They're all good machines. Stick with the higher-range models.

Sounds like you only shopped the big box stores.

I would search out a good local dealer. You get a quality snowblower and (hopefully) quality service for as long as you own it. You may even find an excellent deal on a used one at a local dealer.

Since I have a Toro 826LE, I'll recommend a Toro first. But any of the three makes you list are fine.

Anticipate spending at least $1,000.00 for a quality snow blower - new.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

If ya live anywhere near Pittsburgh, Pa., drop me a message--i have 2 sitting here, just looking for a new home! Both run, both have electric start, both 2 stage, both cheap!