A used John Deere 318 typically costs $1,500-$4,000, with project tractors below that range and restored examples sometimes exceeding $5,000. Price depends most on running condition, mower deck and attachments, engine health, and local demand for this discontinued garden tractor.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running tractor | $1,500 | $2,800 | $4,000 | Price varies with condition and included equipment |
| Nonrunning project | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | May need diagnosis, parts, and transport |
| Restored example | $3,500 | $4,500 | $6,000+ | Higher asking prices need proof of work and condition |
| Mower deck | $300 | $600 | $1,000 | Standalone used deck; fit and rust affect value |
What a running John Deere 318 usually costs
For a usable tractor with a functioning 18-hp Onan engine, hydrostatic transmission, and no major defects, buyers commonly pay $2,000-$3,500. An average sale near $2,800 generally assumes a straight frame, working steering and hydraulics, usable tires, and a serviceable mower deck. A tractor without a deck or with cosmetic wear often falls toward the lower end.
Budget about $2,800 for a sound, equipped example before repairs or transport. Listings are asking prices, not guaranteed sale prices, and rare attachments or documented restoration can move a quote above typical levels.
How the deck, engine, and attachments shape the quote
A 318’s value is closely tied to the condition and completeness of its equipment. A mower deck can add several hundred dollars, while a snowblower, tiller, or other compatible attachment may add roughly $300-$1,200 depending on model, condition, and season. Verify compatibility and operation rather than paying extra based on an attachment’s appearance alone.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge | Buyer check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base tractor | $1,500-$3,500 | Engine, transmission, steering, overall condition | Test from cold start through warm operation |
| Mower deck | $300-$1,000 | Width, spindle wear, rust, blades | Check shell and listen for bearing noise |
| Engine repairs | $250-$1,500 | Carburetor, ignition, compression, parts availability | Request a compression test if starting is difficult |
| Hydraulic or transmission work | $300-$1,500 | Leaks, pump condition, hoses, diagnosis | Test lift and forward/reverse response |
| Delivery | $75-$300 | Distance, loading, trailer access | Confirm price and whether loading is included |
Attachments and mechanical condition can change the total more than paint or decals. Repair estimates are broad because shop rates and the availability of compatible parts vary.
Engine hours, deck width, and hydraulics change value
Engine hours matter, but an hour meter alone does not establish condition on a decades-old tractor. A 318 showing under 1,000 hours may command a premium if the meter and maintenance history are credible; compression, oil leaks, smoke, and cold-start behavior are stronger evidence. A weak or damaged Onan engine can make a seemingly inexpensive tractor costly to restore.
Deck size and condition also affect value. A 46- or 50-inch deck with sound metal and quiet spindles is more useful than a badly rusted deck that needs fabrication. Functional hydraulic lift is important for many attachments; sluggish operation, visible leaks, or a lift that will not hold can mean hundreds of dollars in diagnosis and repairs.
Test the tractor under load and operate every included hydraulic function before agreeing on a price.
Three John Deere 318 quotes with different equipment
A $1,200 project tractor might have a no-start engine, worn tires, and no deck. If a shop spends 6-10 hours diagnosing and repairing it at $90-$140 per hour, labor alone could be $540-$1,400, before parts or transport. The total can quickly exceed the price of a working machine.
A $2,800 working tractor with a serviceable 50-inch deck could need $150-$400 in initial maintenance, such as fluids, filters, or a battery. A $4,800 restored example with a deck and snowblower might be reasonable only if the engine, transmission, attachment operation, and restoration work are documented.
Compare the purchase price plus immediate repairs, not just the seller’s asking price.
Regional demand shifts used 318 prices
Prices in the Midwest and Northeast, where older garden tractors and attachments have established demand, can run about 5%-15% above a comparable rural listing elsewhere. In higher-cost metro areas, asking prices may be 10%-20% higher, although buyers may also face more competition and delivery charges. In parts of the South and West, fewer nearby listings can make condition and transport more important than the initial price.
Season changes the balance, too. Snow equipment may be priced more firmly before winter, while mower-equipped tractors often draw more interest in spring. Assumptions: Used private-party listings, standard equipment, and local variation; actual sale prices depend on condition and supply.
Compare several nearby listings with similar decks and attachments before judging a quote.
When a 318 repair costs less than replacement
Routine service, a battery, belts, or a carburetor repair may cost roughly $100-$600, making repair sensible when the frame, engine, and hydrostatic transmission are sound. More extensive engine work or transmission repairs can reach $1,000-$2,500 or more, especially when parts and shop labor are combined. At that point, compare the estimate with the cost of another verified running tractor.
Do not assume a low purchase price means an inexpensive restoration. A tractor needing engine work, deck fabrication, tires, and hydraulic repairs can exceed a sound example’s price. Ask the seller what fails, what has been replaced, and whether repair receipts are available.
Repair is usually easier to justify when the major systems work and the needed fix is specific and priced.
How to lower the price without buying hidden repairs
Inspect the tractor cold, test it for at least 15-20 minutes, and price any verified defects using a parts and labor estimate. A weak battery or worn seat may support a modest negotiation; low compression, transmission problems, or a cracked deck deserve a much larger adjustment or a decision to walk away.
Buying outside the peak season for the included equipment may improve negotiating room. Comparing a tractor with and without attachments can reveal whether an accessory is worth paying for, and arranging pickup may avoid a $75-$300 delivery fee. Avoid paying a restoration premium without receipts, clear photos of work, or a thorough test.
Set a maximum total budget that includes transport, immediate maintenance, and a repair reserve.
Questions to ask before paying for a Deere 318
Ask whether the engine starts from cold, whether it smokes after warming up, and whether the tractor moves smoothly in both directions. Confirm that the mower engages, cuts evenly, and has no excessive spindle noise. Check the hydraulic lift with equipment attached if possible, and look for leaks beneath the engine, transmission, and hoses.
Also confirm the exact equipment included, the deck’s condition, and whether the serial number and service records are available. Used equipment sales commonly provide limited or no warranty, so a written bill of sale should identify the tractor and included attachments. A short, careful test can prevent a low asking price from turning into an expensive project.