My 10-12 year old Honda mower is worn out. The self propelled mechanism is busted. The repair shop estimates that it will cost $320 to fix it. I really don't want to put that much money in a mower this old even though the emgine still runs great. This is my second Honda mower since 1983, so I would like another but the cost is really high. Consumer Reports rates a Honda #1 which is similar in features to my old one but it costs about $729 ($800 list). They have a self propelled Toro model with similar features listed as the best buy at $350. One feature that sold me on Hondas 25 years ago is the blade brake clutch which allows one to stop the blade without stoping the engine. This feature is on most Hondas but only on the Toro electric start model.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I just wait until next spring?