Need help buying a used riding mower....

I'm going this evening to look at a used Lowes brand riding mower. I know little about it, except it's got an 18hp Kohler (?) engine and a 40 inch cut. The owner says it runs and drives fine, and doesn't smoke. This is one of the large grey mowers they sold some years back.

Anybody know who actually made these mowers, and are they any good? I think he's asking a good price ($200), but I can't afford to buy problesm!

Any advise greatly appreciated!!

Lee

It was made (the body anyway) in 2001, it's made by "Western International" -- whatever that is - sold under the Lowes brand name. The engine has been replaced and runs very strong, and starts good. However, it appears to have lived most of it's life outside, and is very faded (no rust through however).

I talked him down to $150 -- I figure a good engine is worth that.

Opinions??

Lee