1996 or 1997 or 2001?

[sbeausol]

I am looking to make a Mercury 20M purchase and can't decide which motor to get - the 96, 97, or 01. All the same model. The 96 is cheapest, the 97 is $100 more, and the 01 is $300 more.<br /><br />I am thinking that the 96 is the way to go since these motors are all the same model, but the 01 has the best price (when you factor in age). I haven't seen the motors (yet), but they are certfied by Mercury... <br /><br />Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[prolinews]

Re: 1996 or 1997 or 2001?

I'm guessing all come with props ? I would go with the one that apears to have had the least amount of abuse. I have a 1981 18hp that has had less use than my buddies 20hp that has been beat to hell . Check the compression on all motors and look for telltale signs of use.