Late last fall my Troy Bilt Bronco lawn tractor died so I'm in the market for a new (well preferably a good used) tractor to replace it. I owned that mower for 13 years and honestly never loved it. The cut was fair at best if I bagged, horrible if I mulched, and it backfired every time I turned it off. I'm mowing just under .75 acres of level and maintained yard and I've been struggling trying to figure out what to get as a replacement. Most of what I see in my local area has high hours on it and seems over priced, which is likely just because it's the DC area and everything is expensive.

I recently came across a used Simplicity Regent mower with a 44" deck and about 470 hours on a Brigg 22 hp extended life series engine. It's also a decent price which has me concerned. I know Simplicity makes a good tractor but as a DIY guy without much mechanical experience my concern are the hours on the engine. I was hoping someone who know might have a clue could tell me what they think or offer up some advice to get me out of of the paralysis by analysis situation I've put myself in! Thanks in advance