I Think a Snowblower is Turning Into a “Need”

I am really careful now when I think about purchasing something.Â I try to determine as objectively as possible whether it is a “need” or a “want”.Â Case in point…a snowblower.

Up until this year, we’ve done fine with clearing our driveway with a few good ‘ole shovels (we get over 250″ of snow/year).Â A snowblower was clearly a want because it would make our lives a little easier.Â This year…I’m not doing so good physically with shoveling snow.
For three days in a row I have been shoveling out our driveway and my back is killing me (more than normal).Â Unfortunately, I’m not getting any younger.Â I see my neighbor out snowblowing his driveway and I can’t help but stare at that awesome piece of modern machinery he is using to clear his snow.

I think the snowblower is becoming awefully close to being something that we need.Â I’m going to hold off a little bit longer to see if my back can just get used to the shoveling.Â But if it doesn’t, I think it will be time to go shopping for one.

Posted by Tricia on December 6, 2006 at 10:18 AM in Spending Money | 12 Comments »
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Matt responded:
Posted: December 6th, 2006 at 10:59 am
When it comes to want versus need in this case I think you could probably get a used one to cover the need and see if its worthwhile.
Jessie responded:
Posted: December 6th, 2006 at 12:21 pm
Matt had a great idea. You can get used ones at the smaller equipment stores. I know in our area the used ones that have been serviced and are only a few years old are about half the price of a new one.

I know what you mean though. I get a ton of snow too. While I am still OK for shoveling, I still look at the neighbors with their snowblowers and am a bit jealous.
Kevin responded:
Posted: December 6th, 2006 at 12:22 pm
Time to think outside the box. Make an offer to your neighbor to buy a partial interest in his snowblower. Or find another neighbor and see if they want to split the cost.

I have no idea what snowblowers cost, never having lived in snow country, but if you offered to pay for half, with the right to use it when he’s not using it, you’ll save big time.

Just make sure you work out the details as to how you get access to it in a way that you don’t have to continually bother him.
Frugal Frugalson responded:
Posted: December 6th, 2006 at 3:40 pm
I’ve started to think about getting a snow blower too. Home Depot had a 30% off sale late last winter and I regret not pulling the trigger. I won’t make that mistake again this winter…
Ms.Scrooge responded:
Posted: December 7th, 2006 at 9:53 am
Why don’t you hire a plow service on an as-needed basis, say whenever the snowfall is more than a certain number of inches deep? Advantage is to keep more of your cash going to debt reduction, and to buy yourself some time so you may snag a better deal at end-of-season sales or a used blower during the off-season.
Dawn responded:
Posted: December 7th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
I think you should go for it! You have had posts in the past that prove that the quality of your life and happiness are more important than money. I think you will get years of use out of it because you will take wonderful care of it. You do get a ton of snow and I think it would be worth every cent for you! Thats just my opinion since I also know the reality of the amount of snow you will have every year that you live there!
Tricia responded:
Posted: December 7th, 2006 at 1:08 pm
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. While I was again shoveling the driveway this morning I had an idea. It doesn’t involve a snowblower, but it involves spending some money. I have to think through it a little bit more and see if would cost less than a snowblower.

P.S. I wish I had a Home Depot by me!! *snif*
SCapitalist responded:
Posted: December 7th, 2006 at 2:15 pm
I always look at every purchase as “needs” vs. “wants”. It sure does suck when a “want” becomes a “need”. However, shoveling snow is brutal… A snowblower would have been in a “need” catagory a long time ago for me!
Terry responded:
Posted: December 8th, 2006 at 3:32 pm
How about buying a used one AND using it to make money shoveling Other People’s Snow?
Wise Bread responded:
Posted: December 12th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
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Lynn responded:
Posted: March 10th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Just my opinion. But splitting the cost with a neighbour just isn’t an option. After all, who’s to say he won’t move in a year or two. Hireing a plow is also a bit rediculous. In a year or two you’d have paid enough to have purchased a snow blower out-rite. Just buy a good quality one with a lot of HorsePower – after all you wouldn’t want to buy something underpowered, and end up buying another after you find out it can’t throw the snow. If maintained properly, the thing will last your lifetime, and maybe your kids.