I am looking at a boat with a 2005 Merc 225 XS with 156 hours. It has a warranty until 4/2008. How good are these motors? Do they have any reoccuring or common problems? How many hours should i expect out of this motor. And finally how are these on gas? Thanks in advance.

Got twin 225XS's. Have 400 hours on them with zero issues. Just gas and oil and go.

How does it compare to the other merc outboards gas wise?

IF YOUR WORRIED ABOUT GAS THEN DONT BUY A BOAT.

I'm not worried about buying gas smart azz, but from what i remember one of the three 225xs, 250xs, 300xs, is a gas hog. I just can't remember which one.

All the XS motors are great on gas. A 250 XS burns about 23 GPH at WOT, 300 XS about 25 GPH. I would expect about the same from a 225 XS. A 300 X on the other hand will burn close to 50 GPH.