Forgot mention that I paid 17.5k for mine with three buckets...from a value perspective, I'd think it would fare well against other minis. With new ones approaching 60k and beyond, I find it a tough sell when you can get one for almost a quarter of the price of new, albeit, you might find yourself having to fix it. I enjoy tinkering, so it isn't a big issue for me. If I decided I need to sell Bobby, I suspect I could get close to what I paid...
I guess it comes down to whether you can write-off the depreciation. If you are busy busy, then I see new as the way to go (flog it until warranty expires, then sell and go new again). If you are a part timer or it is for personal use, then a well depreciated machine with good bones is the way to go...imho.
I will say a machine with a cab is a must (with AC/Heat), unless you live in perfect climatic zone. Also, I have been saved many times from flinging dirt and branches etc. by having an enclosed cab. Plus, I suspect, I eat less diesel exhaust. That is another downside to some minis...the ones with exhaust straight out rear are not good...would have preferred one that has exhaust going up and out...furthest away from side window and door as possible.
A machine with thumb should be mandatory...I've read folks saying they can do without one...I say hogwash. A thumb saves time and money, and in my case, makes stacking logs a breeze. I can cut smaller logs with thumb into nice sized chunks for ease of disposal. Try stacking rocks without a thumb...exercise in futility.
