[scl]

I also think that we're all looking at this from a "buying a new one" standpoint. We are in this credit culture now of buying everything new, bigger, better because its just a few more dollars on the payment. There use to be this little saying called "buy what you can pay for" and its more appropriate now than ever. That is what is driving the mortgage crisis and why affordability is not an issue when new houses were getting 40% over budget (sorry, small rant). That said, I strongly believe that a SS is the single most important piece of iron I own, and I bought mine 9 years ago for 60% of new with 300 hours on it. Yes its taken some maintenace, both PM and troubleshooting, but thats one of the tradeoffs.If you wait and look, especially this year, something rightwill come along. But don't think you have to go $30K in debt immediately. I think everyone on here has presented valid and insightful points. I believe that the smaller your operation the more plausible and benficail one is.
And there is some truth to the legitimacy issue. I have customers ask where my equipment comes from, how long have you had it, boy that is nice, blah, blah, blah, all the time. Its just coversation mostly. But I just hate having to say it came from Ace Hardware or XYZ rental. Then that leads to another discussion of renting and why and more blah, blah, blah, which, yes I know, it shouldn't matter and its none of their business, but that matters to me (2nd small rant). As before, do what you can affors to. You can always upgrade.

Scott