Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi all.  I've been researching snowblowers for the past month (on the old site) and finally decided on the Toro 828. I got a great deal (so I thought) on ebay for a brand new one including the standard 2-year warranty. The seller is a Toro dealer who sold me his floor model and shipped for free. The listing stated an 828 LXE, model 38632. When I got the blower, it turned out to be an 828 LE (no "X"). This version doesn't have the freewheel steering. Problem is, I can't find any info on this blower. Toro's site only lists an 826 LE and an 828 LXE. Does anybody know anything about the 828 LE? Was this Toro's first release of the 828 and they added the freewheel steering (and the "X") later in the year? I'm waiting to hear back from the seller (just called him today), but I'd like to know more about it first.

From the few responses on the other site (I posted there before I knew you moved) it looks like this is an older model year.  Does anyone know what these went for?  Would the quality have been the same as the new models?  Did anything major change?  I paid $999 delivered.  Since it's basically an 826 LE with 2 extra inches and a light, I don't think I got ripped off.  But, I surely didn't get as good a deal as I originally thought.  I didn't hear back from the dealer yet, but I'm assuming my options will be to ship it back for a refund (and be out $100-$150) or keep it and maybe (doubtful) get some money back.

Thanks in advance as I know I'm dealing with some real experts here!

-Tony