Hopefully, in the next 12-18 months, I'll be looking for an aluminum flat bottom or mod-v boat. What seems to be the best and worst small outboards (thinking likely 40hp or less) in terms of reliability, cost of maintenance/upkeep, etc. I'll want enough motor for the hull it's pushing, but I'm not super concerned with speed so much as something that's reliable and trouble-free (as much as a small outboard can be, anyway). Which models (and years) would you look for? Which models (and years) would you avoid? Why or why not would be great too.

It should be noted that I'm not planning on spending a lot, maybe $3-4k at most for boat/motor/trailer, preferably less.....so most of the motors I'll be looking at will likely be a little older.