$750 seems like a lot of money for a rider cobbled together from junkyard parts.
If I were going to buy used, I would check with the local dealers with a good reputation who sell and service mowers and see if they have any trade-ins that they have refurbished and guarantee. Failing that, Craig's List in my area have mowers that look to be in good condition for much less money than that.
Also, the big box stores and possibly your local dealers have new riders starting at around $1,000; not pro quality, but with good maintenance, should last a long time cutting a half acre.
What was wrong with the John Deere?
If I were going to buy used, I would check with the local dealers with a good reputation who sell and service mowers and see if they have any trade-ins that they have refurbished and guarantee. Failing that, Craig's List in my area have mowers that look to be in good condition for much less money than that.
Also, the big box stores and possibly your local dealers have new riders starting at around $1,000; not pro quality, but with good maintenance, should last a long time cutting a half acre.
What was wrong with the John Deere?