I'm new to the mud motor game, so pardon my ignorance. I know outboards pretty well, and always have stayed away from older motors, just because they are a pain to keep running well.

buy with older longtails (over 10 years old), how hard are they to keep in good running condition? what all do you need to service/upgrade/maintain on them?

there's some good deals out there on some older longtails, and i'd like to get one, but i'm not sure if i'll regret it or not.

10ys isnt considered old with lt's. the only thing u gotta replace is the seals and sometimes maybe the u joint knuckle.

thanks. and as far as the motor itself, i'd assume they can be serviced easily at home, and if needed, rebuild ok (at a shop)?

Mine gd is a 1986 model and the motor is a 1992 off a pressure washer. Seals, drive shaft, bushings,prop, and u joint is about all there is to it. Your engine is the thing that will be the thing to question. I dont know about the other manufacturers but gd can be upgraded if you want too. I keep mine in the 2002 area just because the seals are cheaper.

motors are manufactured with a 1500 hr service life expectancy at 80 percent (3300 rpms). the harder they are run, the sooner they wear out.

hrs on the motor and max rpm it is governed for should be your 2 biggest concerns. as stated, u-joints and seals/bearings are easily replaceable.