I bought my first mower 15 yrs ago without knowing/caring about my lawn. Was a box store rebranded MTD, big rear wheel and no self propel. Had a bagger for leaves was my only requirement.
When we moved into the new house 3 years ago, I wanted self propel for the bigger yard. Challenged myself to pick up a freebie and fix it. Then learned about Honda's and Toro's. Flipped my way thru about a dozen mowers that 1st year, on my way up to a SR4 Super Recycler. Then kept finding SR4's, so I would flip them, keeping the better one/newer one for myself and getting rid of what was my personal mower. Went through 7 SR4's.
Last year, I joked to my in-laws about wanting a Timemaster for father's day. To my surprise, one showed up on my door step the week after.
So in short, I haven't bought a mower in almost 15 years.