I did as well. My old one lasted nearly 10 years, but the axle/transmission went awry. Almost as expensive to fix as buy a new one. Better to get one before the EPA bans them.
I love that new lawnmower feel! Almost as good as getting a news car. If you accumulate a lot of grass underneath the deck. Like my last one did. It will rust. Even though I always scraped it clean (plastic scraper) after mowing. Waterproof rubberized sealant (like Gorilla brand) coating underneath should stop this. I will be doing this.
For your common back yard mower. The steel is too thin. And my rusting one. Made from crappy steel. Troy Bilt.