IntrinsicValue

Just to follow-up on my post,

First, thanks for all of the advice.  I ended up buying a Simplicity 8526E for slightly less than $1000 and have used it several times already -- it's been a rough winter up here in Ohio!

For those that may be looking, I have only owned my machine for a little over two months, but so far I highly recommend it.  My driveway is sloped, wide, and long, but the Simplicity has had no problem at all with clearing.  I never did try it on my deck, because basically I'm afraid to. ;)

The only strange thing is when you engage the auger, it makes a weird "skidding" noise - I"m not sure if this is normal or not, but it doesn't seem to be causing any problems at this point.  Also, I did not get the "easy-turn" feature and wish I had!  The machine is fairly heavy and not the easiest thing to turn -- but if you put it in 1st gear and turn, it's still manageable.

Thanks again!  And good luck to those who are looking.

I'd like to buy a snowblower (for $1,500 or less if possible).  I have a normal sized driveway (10 feet by 80 feet) and get pretty heavy snow as I'm in the snowbelt here in northeast Ohio.  If you guys could help me witih the exact brand/model to get, it would help me out a lot.

1.  I read that the Briggs & Stratton engines are better than Tecumseh -- how true is this?

2.  Research has indicated the best brand names (in approximate order) are:  Honda, Simplicity (Snapper), Ariens, Toro -- is this fairly accurate?

3.  However, since my budget is $1,500 I'm looking for the best VALUE too (not necessarily the best blower).  I'm thinking the best value might be: Simplicity, Toro, Ariens, Honda -- is this accurate or am I way off?

4.  If I spend an extra $500 will I get something SUBSTANTIALLY better than what a $1,500 (or less)  snowthrower can give me? 

I'm not into bells and whistles (i.e. I don't want hand-warmers or electronic shute controls).  If you can offer any advice on the exact brand/model to get, I'd appreciate it!!

(P.S.  I also have a 600 squarefoot deck - is it OK to use a snowblower on a deck?)