It isn't necessarily the brand of mower but the engine. Honda GCV engines, which are used in many brands of mowers/pressure washers are quite finicky. I have a craftmans pressure washer that's about 12 years old, have had to rebuild the honda twice. Have a craftman lawnmower about the same age, briggs and stratton engine, and the thing won't die.
I would look at the brand of engine, look up online reviews, and go from there. The brand of mower in most cases won't matter, unless you're getting high end.
Side note, most issues are easy to fix and parts aren't much. If you have a free afternoon and look up on youtube, not much work typically. Worst case you take engine apart and end up tossing a box of parts before buying a new one. 4951