I just replaced my snow blower with an ariens 2 stage 24" for $800. My previous SB was 20 years old cheap, $500 5hp 24". But I changed the oil every year, and drained the gas. It was still running, but getting a little tired.
The new one has electric start, and I added handwarmers myself.
I bought mine from home depot online and they ship it to a local store for setup. So you get the better price and the setup, and the local dealer delivered as well.
Jonathan