Fat Charlies story reminded my of my riding mower experiences, mainly repairs. It's a husqvarna 850-10, maybe 15-20 years old. I'm using it with a "pay with keeping it running"-lease. Every single time i call the local parts store and ask for spare parts/belts etc, i get the "whoa, THAT sure is an old model, hang on a minute"
It is what it is, still, gets the grass cut.