Speaking only for myself and others who are far, far removed from a dealer, it costs much less to run old than new.

When you need parts for old machines, especially those without computers and electronic gee-gaws festooned all over the machine, you can run down to NAPA or similar stores and find something that, if not exactly correct, will get you running most of the time.

With a new machine, when the electrical system craps out and you're 120+ miles from a dealer as I am -- and the dealer doesn't stock the electrical parts and sub-assemblies you need -- you're SOL and dead in the water. And when you're dead in the water and you've got hay on the ground -- suddenly a stupid electrical breakdown that keeps the machine shut down becomes quite expensive.