The fact that I am asking means I have an open mind, and am looking for someone with a good experience.
Lacking that, I'll play it safe a d deal with a domestic distributor of solely Japanese built products.
With the exception of Honda, in this size market, they are all built by Tohatsu. The price goes up depending on the decal pasted across the hood. But as far as I can tell, the ones which are branded Tohatsu have the best wzrranty.
