None of these models are going to run maintenance free...you have to do that or even the most expensive, most desired units will self destruct from lack of attention.
I've got a 12 year old (I think 12, it's been a long time ago I got her) Deer Z425 that has been worry free all those years but it's had proper maintenance and constant blade dressing to keep it sharp & balanced.
I've had to replace the main belt twice & the hydraulic belt once, it gets an oil & filter change every spring, new air filter & I keep it blown out all year, the mower shows it's age with a cracked plastic POC yellow seat and the paint is faded and scratched but it keeps on going and doing it's work.
Buy from a dealer, not a big box store...no matter the deal you find to save a $ today, you ain't gonna get no deal by a long shot. You have waited too long for that now. Everything from mowers to a loaf of bread is about double to three times inflated...maybe wait till after the banks collapse and the new depression is in full swing.
There will be good deals everywhere you can get for a song!