Purchasing used outboards: I'll add to Bob Austins comments with which I agree. Parts: I now carry a 9.9 HP and 15 HP mercury and a 30 HP Mariner. (Same maker, all metric size wrenches required.) All bought used.You won't believe it, but I had all three of mine "die" in one summer within two months of each other. For six other years: no problem on any! go figure. The two Merc's developed electronic problems within the flywheel, the 30 HP needed a water pump. Parts: spare water pump (which I used myself to fix the 30 HP) , spare spark plugs. Believe it or not a spare gas hose connector, one for the tank end one for the engine end, is good to carry: One of mine seems to fail every year. The springs holding the engine connector pop out and must rocket overboard because I've never found a loose one in my whaler. I also broke one by stepping on it during a rough ride. A spare pull rope is also useful. Finally, consider a needle valve for your carburetor as one pass of water may result in a rough idle and possible harder to start engine. (I finally discovered a broken gas tank gasket on the cap which must have let rain water into the tank...once I replaced it problem never returned.) If you buy an older outboard, chances are better it will be a less complex engine...easier to fix. Used Tips: I'd buy one no more than seven or eight years old for value and hoped for future longevity. Most smaller outboards die from old age, not use. So I look for one that's been used on a recreational boat and looks clean under the cowl (cover). Check for salt residue on cylinder head gasket (back of engine usually). Often these need to be tightened. Check filter bowl for water, run engine under load both at high and low speed if possible. If you are really industrious check compression: just pull the plugs and hold compression tester over each plug opening while a partner pulls the start rope. Look at plugs for black fouling...best if they have a minor grey residue (clean burning) but some black is common...mine do...Check lower unit lube: loosen plug and look for clean oil..if milky, water is present. Best to avoid one with water, but usually not fatal...however source of leak must be found and corrected....You may prefer one that's been used in fresh water... Don't buy a used outboard and immediately leave for Bora Bora...Run it a few weeks before you MUST really depend on it...Guess the same goes for a new one,too... I've found used outboards very good values, Rob Brueckner Hatteras Yachtfisherman