I guess I should have elaborated some more on my 07 Toro.
Even though it had the transmission issue, it has been a great mower.
I abuse it, use old gas in it, and change the oil about once/year. I don't bother keeping a log of hours. It has seen 1 air filter change and 1 spark plug change. It starts on the first pull no matter what.
I don't need to winterize it here and I crank it up every month or 2 weeks during the winter months. I hose it off or blow it off after each use, which is weekly from end of Feb. to sometime around November, typically. I've kept it in a shed for the first few years and now it stays in my garage when not in use.
I've used just about any kind of oil in it and overfilled it for an entire season by accident.
The self propelled cable holder broke and I used a screw on clamp to hold it down. The bag got a tear in it and now collects dirt in the foldover flap. I use the mulcher mostly unless it's in the fall or when I first start mowing in spring, due to the live oaks around here.
I'd probably buy it again if I had to do it over. I believe the transmission problem would be my only hesitation. I'll assume that this replacement will last about the same timeframe, so in 2-3 years it'll probably break. The cost for me to get it repaired will be close to $150, so I'll more than likely just go get another mower.
BTW, my yard size has been 1/4-1/3 acre and I use this mower exclusively. Maybe my next one will be a rider, but I think for now, considering cost and benefit of exercise, now isn't the time for that.
My 2 cents.