I don’t really agree with the yanmar having electrical gremlins. They have the same systems as a 318 minus an ignition system, and they have more robust ignition switches. Any problems generally boil down to corroded connections which plague all these old systems but atleast everything on the yanmar is external to the engine. No stator or timing triggers hidden behind the flywheel. I’ve never had a yanmar electrical problem that wasn’t solved with a single repair. I lost a voltage regulator due to dirty contacts but a new vr and cleaning the connections solved it.
I’m generally not a huge fan of the 300 series, to me the advantages of the 420/430 are huge. I flipped many and used them when I had them but the locking rear end and shaft driven attachments are just more robust. The 50 is a good deck also available on 420/430 but it’s belt driven on 300 series so sticks and shrubbery can get tangled in, and the 60 is still just better built. It weighs twice as much and that’s a better shell, better spindles and thicker blades. All good things for pseudo bush hogging.
The electrical system is completely different. I have a tech bulletin around here somewhere detailing the repair procedure for part of it, that has been used when I helped repair 4 of them for friends. The problem exists, and has for some time. Often, the "fix" works for a long time. Sometimes it doesnt, but the electrical system is nothing like what is on the 318, except for the presence of safety switches. The charging system alone is a whole different animal. Stator vs alternator.
Does it affect every single one? No, but when it does, it can be a royal pain to track down and fix if you dont know about it.
They also dont have hydro coolers like the 318 does...but thats a different system.
I'll agree that proper maintenance is key to minimizing repairs, new or used, but did I misread your post where it says you put a new engine in your 318?
Yes, I did, due to poor maintenance by my grandfather.
Its not a good idea to "flush" the old oil out with gasoline.
Things wear out over time and need to be replaced or rebuilt. Usually, new machines don't need new engines or tie rods.
I suppose if a guy doesnt plan to ever replace parts, they should continue on with new equipment, trading in every few years. Anything out of warranty needs parts, and some seem to go through them pretty fast.
I dont subscribe to this, which is akin to leasing a vehicle, which itself is not much more than a long term rental.
I keep things for a very long time and plan accordingly. A good number of people dont, and thats fine, but since the OP asked about USED and not NEW, thats where my point of view is from.
New machines also cost a WHOLE lot more.
Want a small comparison?
Equivalent machine to a 318 today would be the X7 series.
What do those cost?
From simply a cost standpoint, you could easily find an old machine and have it dealer serviced and repaired for a VERY long time before youd accrue the same cost.
Going further, I put a new P220 Onan in my 318. I could have saved money with a Kohler or Vanguard kit, but I prefer the Onan. I bought that for $1300.
So, after 22 years of service, I spent about $1400 to fix what was wrong with it. 11 years later I have nothing but maintenance in it, because the work on the fuel system ended up labor and filters/lines, which is maintenance, but even if you counted all that, it was less than $50.
Find me another mower that can do what the 318 does for anywhere near that money new.