Seeking comments on Case IH Magnum tractors late 80's to early 2000

[OH Young Farmer]

I'm in the market for a 200-250 hp used tractor and was hoping to get some opinions on the Case IH Magnum tractors.  I'm not that familiar with the red tractors so I was hoping I could get some feedback, good and bad, from other farmers who have experience with these tractors. 

Initially, I was looking at the 7140/7150 or 7240/7250 models.  However, I'm starting to consider a newer model like MX 240 or MX 275 since most of the older models I have found searching online have anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 hours on them.  Granted, some of these newer models have 4,000 or more hours on them already as well, but if the price isn't much more, I might as well spend the money on a newer model.  Are there issues or things that I should keep in mind when I'm comparing the older and newer models?  Were there any common problems with any of these models that people had?

Any thoughts/comments are appreciated. 

[Roberts_Farms]

I'd say pick up a 71, 72 or 89 series if you can find one without a lot of hours.  We have a 7140 and a 7250 and love them.  I've heard about some problems with the early mx's so that's why we stayed away from them.  We picked up both of ours with less than 5000 hours on them, and they have been trouble free.

[kiwiana]

I agree with Roberts Farms completely. The 71, 72, and 89 series are great, tough, reliable tractors. The MX's are an electronics disaster, and gave Case IH a bad name.

Kiwiana

[Bleeding RED]

I have a 7110 with 8800 hours on it & have had no problems.  I also have a 8930 with 4500 hours on it & have had no problems.  Dad has a 2002 MX 240.  Fun to drive, but, too many electronics & problems.  He bought it with about 3800 hours on it.  After this spring, his comment was " I should have just bought a new one."  I know he has spent over $10,000 on that tractor in the two years he has owned it. 

If you buy a 7100 series, make sure it has the 4 reverse gears & the easy shift update.  Be patient.  There are plenty of older ones  with low hours on them.  The thrill is in the hunt!!!!  Good luck!

[behog]

7 AND 8000 SERIES MAGNUMS ARE SOME OF THE BEST TRACTORS EVER MADE PERIOD. I have 2 and they are great.  I have one of the newer MX series and I am probally going to sell it and buy a 8950