I have a 6 year old husqvarna. I used ethanol free fuel and it will start in 1 or 2 pulls every time even after sitting all winter

I bought my Honda HR215 HXA in 1993, still going strong. Just changed out the hydrostatic transmission fluid this past Saturday.
You might look into replacing the engine for around $350, and keep mowing with that old girl.

Honda

I've had a Honda for 15 years. I think they are overrated. Good machines but I've had just as good luck with other mowers.

I gave away all my lawn equipment years ago, They mow too cheap in the DFW not to take advantage of the cheap services.

Snapper...in the 17th year of mowing with mine and no sign of giving up.

Snapper

You've had and used a Honda for 30 years and you asked what brand to buy? C'mon man !

Thanks to everyone for the feedback, it's much appreciated. The consensus seems to be Honda or Toro, with a couple of votes for Snapper, all name brands and probably all of equal quality. I'm leaning towards the Honda that RayBob pointed out. I have a few gift cards from Lowes which will help out with the purchase. I'm also looking seriously at battery powered ones. Though I don't have much area to mow, what I do have is very thick. After researching the various brands, most reviews indicate the torque/power may not be up to the task, with the exception possibly being the the high end machines such as the Milwaukee M18 FUEL at $1100. I have many Milwaukee tools and have always been pleased with their performance and reliability. My only hesitation is the battery warranty is only 3 years and replacement batteries would cost half as much as the mower itself. Anyone have any experience with battery durability when used with a high amperage tool, such as a mower?

My Dad has a brand new Toro ... super lightly used and he is done mowing - shoot me a PM if you are interested. He is in Mckinney are. May have 20 hours on it and he is a nut to keep everything he owns in top condition. This was purchased at Richardson Saw and Lawn - a highly reputable dealer who only sells the nicer models....if toro is like John Deere...you have your megastore models (cheaper) and you have your top-level models generally sold by Toro dealers.

Batteries for my kobalt yard equipment lasted about 4/5 years. Buying new batteries was almost as much as the whole tool.

Thanks I may be interested in this. I shot you a PM

get the batteries off ebay or Amazon for a quarter of the price

Also don't charge them till you need them and keep the batteries out of the cold and heat. Most lithiums used today don't like to be left with a full charge.
Right now the batteries need special care to last the 1000 charges they claim. I hope with new technologies that will change.