also bought mine for $250 used...   
New john deeres are for the most part, JUNK.  Everybody I know who's bought just residential ones have some sort of problem.  Now older ones (2000's n older) are the ones to get.   
Cub cadet's are a hit/miss.  I've owned a few 2000's n older that's never had a problem   
If I had $!k or less to spend on a house yard riding mower today, I'd look for a 2000's or older John Deere.