New mower advice please...

This is so exasperating... long story short ; I am looking for a reliable riding mower that is at least 42 inch. My budget is 1600 dollars max. That max dollar figure can include extended warranty if the mower really needs an extended warranty. I'm looking at a husqvarna 42 inch, troy built 46 inch, ariens 46 inch. I would prefer a gear driven without a foot operated go as with the automatics. But, an automatic with cruise control would be OK if the foot control was not real hard to depress.

Any suggestions are welcomed...

Thanks, David