Used tractor prices on the way up?

Now I've found a 8N that I've looked over pretty well. It's in great shape sheet metal wise, no major leaks. Haven't been able to get the serial no off it yet but it's a front distributor model.
The guy selling it is waiting for a new ring gear and is putting it in and not changing the price. It also has a Howse mower, I'm guessing a 5'. Had some use on it but I saw the lot it mowed where the tractor is parked and it did a great job. Seller is asking $2200 for the pkg.

I've already posted the 851D and 841 pictures and have appreciated all the input you guys have provided to help me make a decision.

So I'm down to the 851D or the 8N. I know the 851 is a lot more tractor than the 8N but it's also more than twice as much. It would seem that for it to sell for that price it should be painted the correct colors (its not) have all the original sheet metal (it doesn't) and not have any major oil leaks (it doesn't).

So my point is most all these tractors have been setting waiting for a sucker..er buyer for at least 4 months. Should I keep waiting with the thought the seller may eventually decide they really need to sell these tractors? Or do people in the tractor selling business just keep waiting?

I'm going to drive the 8N after it gets it's new ring gear and if it drives as good as it looks, and isn't a heavy smoker then guess I'll settle for that and if further down the road I realize the 8N just isn't enough tractor, maybe I can get $4000 for it and go get me a bigger one...

Wanna bet I'm going to really like the 8n?

I bought my 8N for $2000 off of a dairy farmer who was the original owner and always stored it in a covered garage. I have spent about $800 between alternator, battery, 5' HOWSE rotary cutter (GREAT DEAL - bought brand new for $450), wiring harness, complete set of manuals, new ORC, maintenance fluids, misc stuff - shift knob, choke knob, Ford seat cover - grill screen, new ignition coil (I didn't know about not leaving the key on when I bought it - haha) - but I am extremely happy with my 8N. I get 115 across the board on a dry compression test and the oil pressure never ever drops below 26#s even after considerable time hogging. I feel that for my needs this tractor is absolutely perfect.

I was really lucky and have been extremely grateful to this forum for its on-going help and support. PS - I am missing the lower bar for my bumper - Any ideas????? ? Anyone have a spare one?
Anyone want to make me a spare one?

All of the 8Ns around here were going for $2800-$3350 for a greasy, sorta working - missing some stuff tractor - Guy said it had been overhauled (haha) - overhauled with a cheap bucket of paint - the spark plugs were rusted with crud to the top of the block - hahaha. or you could spend $3850-5000 for a really nice but truly original nor completely in-tact 8N. In fact my 8N is the only one I found that had the original lights, cyclone air cleaner, ford scripted fenders, starter button, proofmeter/tach etc. The local dealers wanted way too much IMHO for what they had. When I saw, tested and ran my 8N the first time, I knew that this was the one. No, it is not factory perfect - but it a great tractor and I will do what I can to make it last another 50-100 years!

Here is a pic - kinda grainy and one not so grainy or my tractor:

Good luck,
Andy

You're in the middle of Ford country here in North Texas - and everyone seems to know what they can get for what they've got. I've had people recently come off $10 on a $2,000 piece of equipment with a straight face!

Cosmetics don't really matter - it's the mechanical condition of the machine. Take the time to know what you're looking at, so you can evaluate it properly. Half the fun on the old Fords is cleaning them up.

There are so many 8N's for sale here in North Texas right now that you should really look at 6-8 before you buy.

Best of luck.

FWIW: I just traded a really great 8N in excellent mechanical condition (I just hadn't painted it yet)at Sanders Tractor in Stephenville. It would be a great Ford to have.

As for that power thing, if your 8N is in good shape mechanically, you will have plenty of power.

Good Luck
Steve

Unless the $2200 8N has other major issues like wornout $200 rear tires or really bad engine $1500 for overhaul. Consider the following: a new brushog is $600, used worth about 1/2. The man is doing a $200 flywheel starter re-ring job. That brings the basic frontmount 8N value to about $1700. Not too bad.

In buying used agriculture equipment, a little negotiation is generally expected. If the 8N is what you think you can live with, don't insult the gentleman. He knows its value because he knows he can't sell it if'n the darn thing don't run and that is why he is fixing the starter ring himself.

As for all your heavy iron that have been sitting around, if'n you really lust for one of 'em, offer the seller about 25% off and if'n he acts insulted, ask 'em how long its been setting on the used lot waiting for a buyer. Then thank the seller for his time and say you've changed your mind, good-by. Its a good way to learn..... .Dell

The big iron, I've offered less, attempted to hagle, best deal I got offered was $100 off the $4900 price tag. I made it clear I was ready to buy for cash and made the subtle remark about how long it had been setting there. Response was "$4800 is the best deal I can do". I did thank him and went home.