Hi Derek,

I'm new to these forums but I am a mechanic and will say this much...

Honda is, like many Japanese manufacturers, renowned for reliabilty. They have been producing engines of all types for some years now and in cars & motorbikes, and always come in high for reliabilty. I guess that as your local dealer doesn't stock them, they are bound to try and push you toward one of their own franchised products.

Look at it this way: If you had read reviews about a used Toyota car, and then went to a BMW dealer to buy a used Toyota, you can bet your bottom dollar they would try and sell you a BMW. There's no reason the BMW wouldn't be reliable - but then there's no reason the Toyota wouldn't be either. The fact that the dealer would get a good commision from the BMW sale would sway them that way.

If you feel after reading user reviews that the Honda is right for you, then go for it. You will get a 12 month warranty anyway, and the mower will probably last for years and years afterwards. We live in a "throw away" society with hourly labout charges often being worth more to repair than replace.

I had a look thorugh the www for reviews on the Izy but couldn't find many at all, so guess it's a new product? Therefore, I also guess your dealer can't really judge this product just yet. Maybe (if you can wait), give it a month and see what reviews are posted?

I know this doesn't really help, but I'm trying to play Devils Advocate here.