I bought one of these earlier this season for $420 and it is great.
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more
I also have a lower-end Sears model that is 5 years old now and it still runs fine. The rear wheel drive mechanism needs a little work but it it is otherwise in good shape. With 2 lawnmowers my twin sons should be able to get the lawn done in 1/2 the time, right? I've always had good luck with Craftsman power equipment. It's the same as Murray, MTD, Noma, etc.
I was thinking about buying a new 32" Ferris hydro mower for $2400. It would make short work of my 1/3 acre lot I am sure, but I just couldn't justify the price. I had no trouble buying a $32K boat and a $36K truck in the same year but I couldn't see spending big money on a mower.