I had a totally different experience than Dave and would recommend
buying a "left-over". I purchased a 1992 90HP Mariner from a company in
Florida in April '93 and saved $1400. It cost $75 for shipping. I had it
delivered directly to a dealer that doesn't sell new motors and he was more
than happy to install it and the service after the fact has been excellent.
A guy I work with also bought a 175HP from Electra Marine in NY and saved even
more. I would do it again today if I needed a new motor. Electra Marine
advertises in the weekly Fisherman Magazine. Just my experience - maybe
I was lucky.
Ron