The 912 has as good a reliability record as anything out there.The engine is 21st century technology-Just try comparing modern auto engines to 1930's thru 50's flatheads.Tbo, I'm told,is being raised to 2000 house.With good maintainance,I'm hearing about engines around with 3000 hours and more.A local training has one with over 1500 house on it's highest time engine. They say they've never has any problems other than routine maintainance-never added oil to any of them and they've sold and delivered planes all over the country-fly planes to Oshcosh and Sun and Fun every year.Water cooling is a good thing.It works great in your car.It keeps temps constant-No shock cooling-no cracked cylinders-No carb mixture-cranks like an Accord hot or cold-What's not to like.