Bosendorfer 225 used vs. Bosendorfer 214 new vs. Steinway B

[fanduhrun]

Hi folks,

Been shopping pianos of late, and I have the good fortune to be picking among the following three choices (ordered price low->high):
1) Bosendorfer 225 used: 1985 model with ivory keys and african pomele finish. My tech did an initial once-over and gave a thumbs up. I really like the tone of this one, but can't tell if it's because it's on the hardwood floor side of the show room that makes it sound better or it's the fact that it's bigger and has the four extra bass notes.
2) Bosendorfer 214 new: I liked the tone of this one as well, but doesn't quite have the same body on the bass. Main reason to go w/this one vs. (1) is that these are fairly close in price, and I generally have an aversion to going used. Not sure that applies in piano buying (still sifting through Larry Fine's buyer's guide, which seems to indicate that 25-yr old piano should be depreciated to ~40% of new value).
3) Steinway B new: I heard three of these. Two I didn't care for as much (one felt sharper w/fewer harmonics, the other a bit blurry in the mids). One I really enjoyed, and it happened to be signed by Daniel Pollack, if that means anything (sales person told me he played it and approved).

I know all these are great pianos, but there's about a 7K difference in each step. My ear said Steinway B by a small margin, and my wallet said Bosendorfer 225 by a wide margin. I guess the main sticking point for me to feel comfortable w/the Bosendorfer 225 is
a) is there anything about the older 1985 model that is "outdated" compared to new?
b) how should I think about the fact that the 25-yr-old piano should be a bigger price drop vs. the new (albeit smaller)?
c) can I safely ignore my general aversion to "used" (mainly coming from experience w/cars, tools, toys)?

Would appreciate thoughts/opinions...

[keys60]

You can take all the advice you want from people on this forum, however, it really comes down to which piano you like best. Larry Fine is right about 40% (roughly) lower price on a 25 year old piano.....depending on the piano. Boesies and Steinways don't really depreciate quite as quick as the middle of the road brands and also take into consideration, asking isn't getting. Offer at least 25% off of the asking price of the piano of your choice, except maybe a new Steinway. They are pretty much fixed priced instruments. You can still try. I got my Charles Walter for 35% off the asking price. As for being afraid of buying used, don't be if your tech gave the thumbs up. Its not a car, although wear and tear does take place depending on use and effects of the pianos environment and history. Some players like the played in pianos better, broken in hammers, action parts slightly looser. Too each their own. If you really like the used Boesendorfer, offer the 40% off
the new price and be prepared to walk if they shoo you off. You can haggle down the road. Good luck. I know emotions can get in the way of a "best decision".