They are stopping producing the deck not the engines. It is the engine that is really what matters. Anyone can toss together a metal shell. That’s not the bifl failure point. You’ll still be able to buy a Honda engine toro for instance (best of both).

Of course it matters what kind of financial position you are in but what does the extra 400 get you that the cash couldn’t go to something else to help your life? Briggs makes phenomenal engines. You prob won’t notice a difference for many years.

If it all looks clean and not too old I’d take the Briggs Toro man. 1/5th the price and they are known to last. Worst case it lasts many many years and you upgrade when it fails. What upside is there to buy a new one now? The Briggs might last a decade or more at 1/5 the price.

What motor is in the toro? This is obviously a huge factor in the decision. Some toros have Honda engines. Best to be clear on what model. I just finally laid to rest a 1972 Toro with weekly mows and terrible servicing on my families behalf and it still cut like butter.