A few summers ago, my push mower gave out right as the grass took off. I have a big yard and didn’t want to spend a ton, so I started looking at riding mowers. That led me to the big question: Is it worth buying a used riding lawn mower?

After a lot of searching, I found out you can get a great deal—if you know what to look for. But there are also things that can go wrong fast.

In this guide, I’ll share what helped me, what to check when buying a used riding mower, and how many hours is too many. I’ll also go over the pros and cons, and offer a free checklist to help you shop with confidence.

Used vs. New Riding Mower: Which Is Better?

If you’re torn between buying new or used, trust me—I’ve been there. When I started shopping, a shiny new riding mower looked tempting. But the price? Not so much. That’s when I started asking, is it worth buying a used riding lawn mower? And honestly, yes—if you’re smart about it.

The biggest pro of buying used? You’ll save a lot of money. I found used mowers listed at half the price of new ones. In some cases, you can even snag a higher-end model for the cost of a basic new one. That means better features, more power, and sometimes even a better cut. Plus, used riding mowers are everywhere—marketplaces, local shops, even garage sales.

But here’s the catch: used mowers can come with hidden issues. Think worn-out belts, old engines, or mystery noises that show up after you’ve taken it home. They also tend to have a shorter lifespan than new ones, especially if the previous owner didn’t take care of it. That’s why knowing what to look for when buying a used riding mower is key.

When I was shopping, I almost bought a new budget mower from a big box store. It looked nice, but it felt flimsy. Then I came across a used model with a solid frame, strong engine, and great reviews online. It had some hours on it, but it was clearly well cared for. I took a chance—and I’m glad I did. It’s still going strong.

Short answer? A used riding mower is worth it if you know how to spot a good one. You’ll get more for your money, but you’ve got to inspect it well and trust your gut.

 

Don’t Skip These! What to Check When Buying a Used Riding Mower

So you’ve found a used riding mower that looks like a great deal—but before you hand over your cash, slow down. A mower can look clean and shiny, but still have issues hiding under the hood. Here’s what I learned to check, based on my own trial, error, and one very sketchy mower I almost brought home.

Age of the Mower Matters More Than You Think

The older it is, the more wear it’s likely seen. Ask how old it is, even if it’s not listed. If it’s over 10 years old, it might still run fine—but parts can be harder to find.
A used riding mower under 5–7 years old is usually a safer bet if it’s been cared for.

Do Your Homework on the Brand and Model

Not all mowers are built the same. Some brands hold up well over time—others don’t. Search for reviews or YouTube videos on the exact model you’re considering.
Stick with trusted names like John Deere, Cub Cadet, or Husqvarna if possible.

Ask for Maintenance Records (or Clues)

Most sellers won’t have a detailed log—but ask anyway. Even a quick “I changed the oil every season” is better than nothing. Look at the condition of the oil and air filter—it tells a story.
If it looks neglected, it probably was.

Look for Visible Wear and Tear

Check the tires for deep cracks, the deck for rust, and the blades for dents. Look at belts, too—they should be snug, not loose or frayed. This is where that flashlight comes in handy.
Surface wear is normal—but damage or rust can cost you big later.

Start It Cold—That’s the Real Test

A mower might start fine after it’s been running—but cold starts reveal real engine health. Ask the seller not to warm it up before you arrive. If it fires up without a fight, that’s a good sign.
If it struggles to start or smokes right away, walk away.

Test the Steering and Brakes

Hop on and drive it around if you can. Try turning both ways, braking on a slope, and switching between forward and reverse. If it feels loose, jerky, or just off, something’s probably worn out.
A smooth ride means less trouble ahead.

Used Riding Mower Inspection Checklist (Free Printable Option)

Here’s a quick-hit list of what to bring and check when buying a used mower:

• Mower age and hours 
• Brand and model reliability 
• Oil level and condition 
• Air filter cleanliness 
• Belts (check for cracks or slack) 
• Blades (look for nicks or bends) 
• Deck (rust, dents, or weak spots) 
• Tires (check for dry rot) 
• Battery condition 
• Cold start performance 
• Steering response 
• Brake function 
• Any weird noises or smells 

Pro tip: Bring a flashlight and a notepad—trust me, it helps! It’s easy to miss stuff in a shady garage or under the mower deck.

How Many Hours Is Too Many on a Used Riding Mower?

Hour Meters Don’t Lie—But They Don’t Tell the Whole Story

When you’re shopping for a used riding mower, one of the first things sellers will point out is the hour meter. And yeah, it’s important—but it’s not the whole story.

So, how many hours is too many on a used riding mower?

Here’s the quick answer:

• Under 300 hours? That’s low. 
• 300–700 hours? Medium, but likely still has good life left—especially if it was well cared for. 
• Over 1,000 hours? High—but not a deal-breaker if the mower’s been maintained properly. 

What Do Engine Hours Actually Mean?

Engine hours are like miles on a car. Most residential riding mowers are built to last anywhere from 500 to 1,000 hours, while higher-end or commercial-grade models (like John Deere X-Series or Cub Cadet XT3s) can go well beyond 1,500 hours with proper care.

But here’s where it gets tricky—how the mower was used matters more than the number itself. A 400-hour mower that was run hard, rarely serviced, and left out in the rain might be in worse shape than a 700-hour one that got regular oil changes and stayed in a shed.

Don’t just look at the hour meter. Look at the story it tells.

The 700-Hour Mower I Bought (And Why I Took the Chance)

When I was shopping, I came across a used Husqvarna riding mower with just over 700 hours on the meter. I’ll admit—I hesitated. It was right in that gray area. Not low, not high. Just… enough to make me nervous.

But here’s what made me take a closer look:

• The guy selling it had maintenance records going back five years. 
• The oil was clean. The belts looked new. The tires had plenty of life left. 
• And the thing started cold without even a sputter. 

Still, I brought my flashlight, ran through my checklist, and gave it a full test drive.

It wasn’t perfect. The seat had a crack, and the deck had a little surface rust. But overall? It felt solid. So I trusted my gut—and I’m glad I did. Two years later, that mower still runs like a champ.

Lesson learned: Hours matter, but condition and care matter more.

Don’t Let the Hour Meter Scare You Off

If you find a riding mower with 600, 700, even 900 hours—but it’s clean, well-maintained, and runs smooth—it might be a better buy than a “low-hour” machine that’s been neglected.

Look at the whole picture: the hours, the wear, the maintenance, and how it starts and drives. And if something feels off? Walk away. There are plenty of used mowers out there.

🛠 Pro Tip: Always ask if the hour meter still works. Some older models stop counting—or have been replaced altogether.

Watch Out for These Common Issues in Used Riding Mowers

Used riding mowers can be a great deal—but only if you know what to watch out for. Some problems are easy to miss if you don’t take your time. Here are a few red flags I’ve seen while shopping for used mowers.

Smoking Engine or Hard Starts

If the mower smokes when it starts, that’s a bad sign. Blue or white smoke means it might be burning oil. And if it’s hard to start cold, it could mean the engine is worn out—or the battery is weak.

One mower I tested took forever to crank. Then a puff of smoke came out. The seller said, “It always does that.” I passed.

Quick tip: A mower should start clean and fast. No smoke, no struggle.

Loud or Grinding Transmission

When you shift gears or drive up a hill, listen close. You don’t want to hear grinding, whining, or clunking. These sounds can mean the transmission is going bad.

I once bought a mower that seemed fine—until I hit a small hill. The noise it made? Like a blender full of rocks.

Quick tip: Shifting should feel smooth. If it sounds bad, it probably is.

Uneven Cutting Deck

If the mower leaves tall patches of grass, the deck may be off. It could be bent, loose, or just worn down. That means an uneven cut every time.

Look under the deck. Check the blades. Make sure the deck sits flat.

Quick tip: A good mower cuts even. Wobbly decks leave messy lawns.

Electrical Problems

Mowers have more wires than you’d think. If the battery dies fast, or the lights flicker, something’s wrong. It could be the starter, the solenoid, or just bad wires.

I once tested one that only started if I jiggled the key just right. Fun? Not really.

Quick tip: All the switches should work the first time—no tricks, no flickers.

Pro tip: If something feels off during a test drive, trust your gut. I’ve walked away from deals that seemed “okay”—and I’m glad I did. There’s always another mower out there.

Here’s What I Learned (and Would Do Again)

So, is it worth buying a used riding lawn mower? Short answer: yes—if you go in with your eyes open.

If you’re a little handy (or know someone who is), a used mower can be a smart buy. You can score a solid machine for half the price of a new one. And in some cases, you’ll get better quality than those flashy, lightweight models at the store.

Answer-first snippet: A used riding lawn mower is worth it if you inspect it well and buy from someone who took care of it.

But—and this is a big “but”—you have to inspect it thoroughly. Look it over like you’re buying a used car. Ask questions. Start it cold. Take it for a spin. Don’t let a clean coat of paint fool you. The real story is under the hood.

When I bought mine, I was nervous. It had 700 hours. That sounded like a lot. But the owner kept every oil change receipt and showed me how he cleaned the deck after every mow. I trusted my gut—and that mower still runs great today.

Pro tip: Trust the seller almost as much as the mower. A good owner leaves clues.

Looking back, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I saved hundreds of dollars. The mower cuts clean, starts right up, and has power to spare. And because I did my homework, I avoided any surprises.

Final word? If you take the time to check it out, a used riding mower can be one of the best deals in your yard. Just don’t rush it. And if anything feels off—walk away. There’s always another deal around the corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying a used riding lawn mower?

Yes, if you know what to check.
Used riding mowers can save you a lot of money. You can often find higher-end models for less than a basic new one. But you have to inspect them well. Check the engine, belts, and deck. Start it cold and take it for a test drive. If it feels solid and starts right up, it could be a great deal.

What should I look for when buying a used riding mower?

Check the basics before you buy.
Look at the mower’s age, brand, and hours. Ask if it’s been serviced. Check the oil and air filter. Look under the deck and test the brakes and steering. Cold starts are key—don’t skip that test. Bring a flashlight and take notes.

How many hours is too many on a used riding mower?

It depends on care—not just hours.
Under 300 hours is low. Between 300–700 is mid-range. Over 1,000 is high, but not always bad. If the mower has been well cared for, it might still run great. Always check its condition and how it runs.

What’s better: a used or new riding mower?

Used is better if you’re careful.
New mowers come with a warranty, but they cost more—and budget ones may not last. A well-kept used mower can give you better quality for less. Just make sure you check it closely before buying.

What is a good price range for used riding mowers?

Most used riding mowers cost $500 to $2,000.
It depends on the brand, age, and condition. Under $1,000 often gets you a basic or older model. Around $1,500 can get you something stronger with more features. Higher-end models with low hours may go for more.

Are there any brands to avoid when buying used?

Stick with well-known names.
Brands like John Deere, Cub Cadet, and Husqvarna are solid. Some budget brands may wear out faster or be harder to fix. Search for the exact model before you buy. Reviews and videos can help you avoid a dud.

Conclusion: Mow Smarter, Not Harder

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from hunting down the right riding mower, it’s this: buying used isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making a smart, informed choice.

I get it. Shopping for a used mower can feel a bit like buying a used car. There’s excitement… and a little anxiety. But if you take your time, trust your gut, and do a solid check-up, you can end up with a machine that runs like new—without draining your wallet. That’s what happened to me.

I was on a tight budget, staring down knee-high grass and a busted push mower. The new models looked nice but felt flimsy and overpriced. I almost gave up. But then I found a used one that had a little wear, a lot of character, and a great maintenance record. Two years later? It’s still mowing like a champ.

So, would I buy used again? In a heartbeat.
But only with a flashlight in one hand and a checklist in the other.

 My best advice? 

Slow down. Ask questions. Test it like you’re test-driving a car. And don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right. The right mower is out there—it just might be hiding under a few grass clippings.

Read More: Easy Guide: Sharpen Riding Mower Blades Without Taking Them Off